Chief Justice DY Chandrachud criticizes AAP for encroaching on Delhi High Court Land

The Supreme Court expressed displeasure during a hearing involving the Arvind Kejriwal-led party’s office at Rouse Avenue, which was allegedly constructed on land originally designated for the Delhi High Court. The Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, emphasized the importance of unencumbered possession being returned to the High Court for public use.

He warned the lawyer representing the AAP-led Delhi government that the land should be returned to the High Court. The Supreme Court instructed a meeting to be held before the next hearing, involving the Chief Secretary of the Delhi Government, Public Works Department Secretary, and Finance Secretary, along with the Registrar General of the High Court.

This meeting is aimed at resolving the matter. The court was informed that despite efforts by Delhi High Court officials to take possession of the land allotted to them, a political party office had been built on the site, and the land could not be retrieved.

The AAP has possessed the land since 2016, as conveyed by the Law Secretary to the Delhi Government, Bharat Parashar. In a previous hearing, the top court had criticized the Delhi government for its lack of commitment in providing funds for infrastructure in the Delhi district judiciary.

Despite approval being granted for three of the four projects by March 2021, funds were yet to be released for these projects. The court addressed this issue while handling a case related to judicial infrastructure across the country.

The Chief Justice emphasized the need for the land to be returned to the Delhi High Court, underscoring the importance of upholding legal propriety and public interest.