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The Delhi High Court noted the delay in the Centre’s decision to allot a bungalow to AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and said its approach resembled a “free system for all”
The petition said AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal vacated his official residence on October 4, 2024, after stepping down as Delhi CM. (Image: PTI/File)
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday rapped the Centre for delaying its decision in allotting a bungalow to AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, saying the government’s approach resembled a “free system for all”.
Justice Sachin Datta observed that the Centre cannot selectively decide as to who gets a house. The court sought records outlining the allotment policy from the general pool of residential accommodation and the current waiting list by September 18.
The high court was hearing the AAP’s plea seeking directions to the government to allot a residential accommodation to Kejriwal in Delhi. Senior advocate Rahul Mehra said though the government counsel had previously sought time to seek instructions on the party’s proposal to allot the bungalow at 35 Lodhi Estate, it was allotted to someone else.
“It is completely unacceptable, you have allotted 35 Lodhi Estate, while you seek passovers. You are not interested in this matter. Last time, the same thing happened. Previous day also. There was a clear direction for records. The waiting list cannot deter allotment. It has never deterred in the past,” Justice Datta said.
Mehra said the bungalow was vacated by BSP supremo Mayawati in May. Later, the Centre’s counsel repeatedly sought passovers citing unavailability of the additional solicitor general (ASG), he said.
“I want to know the governing policy for allotment from the general pool. What is the waiting list? You cannot pick and choose. I want to see when it (35 Lodhi Estate) has been allotted. Before August 26 or later, that is very crucial,” the court noted.
According to the AAP, the allotment policy guidelines for accommodation from the general pool to political parties state that the president of a recognised national party is entitled to one government residence in Delhi, provided they neither own a house nor have been allotted one in any other official capacity.
The petition said Kejriwal vacated his official residence at 6, Flagstaff Road on October 4, 2024 after stepping down as chief minister. Since then, he has been staying at the official residence of another party member near Mandi House, it added.
WHAT DID THE CENTRE SAY?
Additional solicitor general (ASG) Chetan Sharma said 35 Lodhi Estate was allotted to a minister of state (MoS) and urged the Delhi HC to grant some time to return with the details of the allotment.
Sharma, however, said a political party could not demand allocation of a particular bungalow, highlighting a “long waiting list” for government accommodation. He said Kejriwal will be allotted accommodation “as and when it becomes possible”.
(With PTI inputs)
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
September 16, 2025, 23:13 IST
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