In an unexpected turn of events, the Supreme Court has been informed of a land dispute involving the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Delhi High Court. To the court’s astonishment, it was revealed that the AAP has been utilizing land originally designated for the expansion of the Delhi High Court since 2016. The revelation came to light during a proceeding focused on India’s court infrastructure headed by the Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, who voiced his concern regarding the unauthorized occupation by a political entity. With strong words, the Chief Justice insisted that the land must be restored to its intended beneficiary—the High Court—emphasizing the property’s designated use for public and judicial purposes.
The Supreme Court was briefed by Bharat Parashar, the Law Secretary to the Government of Delhi, acknowledging the AAP’s stationing on the land, which was previously occupied by a minister’s bungalow. He assured the court that steps are in motion to relocate the political party to a different plot. The bench insisted on immediate action, directing key officials from the Delhi government, including the Chief Secretary and heads of the Public Works and Finance Departments, to engage with the Registrar General of the Delhi High Court and expedite the process. In response to the court’s directives, a meeting was scheduled to ensure the enforcement of the decision.
The Supreme Court’s ire is not new to the Delhi Government; the body previously voiced frustration over delays and underfunding for the Delhi High Court’s infrastructure projects. The tension continues, with the Supreme Court setting a follow-up hearing on February 19, expecting a swift resolution. In the meantime, the Aam Aadmi Party has refuted the accusation of encroachment, vowing to provide the Supreme Court with the necessary documents to prove its rightful occupation of the land, and criticizing the Central Government for supposedly misleading the Court. Awaiting the outcome, the judiciary’s patience wears thin as the pursuit for a clear resolution intensifies.