Delhi HC seeks Centre's response to AAP plea against Rs 17 lakh rent demand on former party office
The Delhi High Court on Monday sought the Centre's response in a plea by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) seeking the setting aside of a demand of nearly Rs 17 lakh by the Directorate of Estates as rent for the state office allotted to the party that was subsequently cancelled.
The party is also seeking the quashing of a letter by the Directorate of Estates on January 17, which AAP claims informed the party 'about the ex parte cancellation of the accommodation' – double suite No. 514, V.P. House, New Delhi.
Justice Sachin Datta issued notice to the respondent, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, through its secretary and the Directorate of Estates. The court has sought a response by August 12.
According to AAP, on September 14, 2024, 'in an act of mala fide', the Directorate of Estates passed an ex parte order cancelling the allotment of the state party office at 514, V.P. House, New Delhi, 'without issuing any show cause notice or affording an opportunity of hearing' to the party.
AAP's plea states that 'the ex parte order dated 14.09.2024 has not been conveyed to the Petitioner to date'.
Subsequently, the party was only communicated the decision on January 17, where the Directorate of Estates addressed a letter to AAP, 'belatedly informing the petitioner that their allotment of the subject accommodation was cancelled with effect from 14.09.2024, and the petitioner was called upon to comply with the ex parte cancellation order, along with the ultimatum of being charged damages for any period of overstay beyond 14.09.2024.'
On March 6, the party was slapped with a rent demand notice of Rs 6.60 lakh for occupying the premises between September 14, 2024 and March 13, 2025. On May 13, the party was issued a second bill, for occupation of the premises from March 14 until April 29, amounting to Rs 10.32 lakh.
The party had handed over the possession on April 30, AAP's advocate, Prateek Chadha, told the court on Monday.
Even as the party requested relief by staying the payment of bills, Justice Datta orally remarked, 'You pay this, it is not a big amount, it will be subject to final outcome.'
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