Respite for AAP: LG Anil Baijal's order cancelling office allotment to AAP set aside by Delhi HC

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday set aside an order of the Lieutenant Governor (LG) cancelling the allotment of a bungalow to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the heart of the capital, saying no reason was given for the action. Justice Vibhu Bakhru remanded the matter back to LG Anil Baijal to pass a reasoned order within eight weeks after hearing the political party.

#Delhi LG's order dated 12.04.17 cancelling office allotment to AAP office set aside by Delhi HC. Court directs LG to pass a reasoned order.

— ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2017

The court said the April 12 order cancelling the allotment did not say which law or rule has been violated. It told the central government that if there is a policy for allotting accommodation to political parties, it has to be applied uniformly.

AAP leader Raghav Chadha has hailed the court's order. 

LG's order cancelling the office allotment to AAP set aside by Delhi High Court. Has been declared ex facie illegal. Boom!

— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) August 23, 2017

AAP, in its plea, also claimed it was being singled out for such action as other parties are enjoying accommodation allotted to them in the heart of the national capital. The party had contended that as per the central government’s policy, all registered political parties are entitled for an accommodation. During the arguments, Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain and the central government standing counsel said an accommodation was offered to the party in Saket in South Delhi, but AAP had refused to accept it.

(With inputs from agencies)