Will Arvind Kejriwal Receive His Designated Bungalow in 10 Days?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Centre has committed to providing an appropriate bungalow to Arvind Kejriwal within 10 days.
- The Delhi High Court has emphasized the need for transparency in allotment processes.
- AAP has cited guidelines for entitlement to government accommodation for party leaders.
- There was contention regarding the type of bungalow that should be allocated.
- The court previously reprimanded the government for delays in the decision-making process.
New Delhi, Sep 25 (NationPress) The Central Government has informed the Delhi High Court that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal will be allocated an ‘appropriate’ bungalow within the upcoming 10 days.
This announcement was made by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta in front of Justice Sachin Datta, who indicated that a ruling would be issued once the statement is documented.
Nevertheless, the respective legal representatives debated the category of bungalow designated for the former Delhi Chief Minister.
Rahul Mehra, the attorney for AAP, requested a Type 8 or Type 7 bungalow for Kejriwal, a claim that was contested by the Solicitor General, who remarked that ordinary citizens do not seek a Type 8 bungalow.
Nonetheless, he assured the court that Kejriwal would receive an 'appropriate' government bungalow in Delhi in line with regulations within the stated timeframe.
During a previous hearing, the High Court had criticized the government for the prolonged delay in deciding on the residential accommodation for Kejriwal. It emphasized that the distribution of residential accommodation must be conducted transparently and should not merely depend on the 'whims' of officials.
At that hearing, the Centre's counsel indicated that the Type 7 bungalow at 35, Lodhi Estate, which was suggested for Kejriwal, had been assigned to Union Minister of State (MoS) for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary. Consequently, the Delhi High Court instructed the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Director of the Directorate of Estates to participate in today’s hearing through video conferencing.
Significantly, AAP has been advocating for a government residence for Arvind Kejriwal in the national capital, considering his position as the leader of a recognized national party.
In its petition, AAP referenced the allotment guidelines which stipulate that the president of a recognized national party is entitled to a government residence in Delhi if they do not own a house or have not been allotted a residence in any other official role.