Encroachment Shock: Supreme Court Rebukes AAP For Building Office On Delhi HC's Allocated Land

encroachment shock: supreme court rebukes aap for building office on delhi hc’s allocated land

The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday expressed its dismay during a hearing related to the enhancement of judicial infrastructure, as it was brought to light that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had allegedly encroached upon and constructed its party office on land originally allocated to the Delhi High Court.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud voiced the court’s shock and surprise at the discovery that a plot designated for the Delhi High Court was now under the occupation of a political party, specifically the AAP. The encroachment was identified as a property in Rouse Avenue.

CJI Chandrachud said, “This has come to an end; the rule of law has to be upheld.” He directed the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) to provide information promptly regarding the steps that would be taken to address the situation.

The Law Secretary to the Government of Delhi informed the court that the AAP had been in possession of the said land since 2016.

CJI Chandrachud unequivocally stated that the land must be returned to the Delhi High Court, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law. He expressed his concern over a political party occupying the allocated space and asserted that all encroachments must be removed, ensuring unencumbered possession for the High Court.

Addressing the situation, the CJI directed the Chief Secretary of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), the Secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD), and the Finance Secretary to convene a meeting along with the Registrar General of the High Court. The purpose of this meeting is to ensure the resolution of all pertinent issues surrounding the encroachment.

The Amicus Curiae, K Parameshwar, informed the SC bench, headed by CJI Chandrachud, that authorities were supposed to take possession of the property and hand it over to the High Court. However, officials discovered that it was currently in the hands of a political party, with previous ties to Asim Ahmed Khan, the then Delhi minister, who was dismissed over corruption charges. The court is eagerly awaiting information on the corrective actions to be taken by the concerned authorities.