PWD again sends notice to AAP to vacate bungalow

NEW DELHI: In a major setback to the Aam Aadmi Party, the Public Works Department under the Delhi government has again sent a show-cause notice to the party regarding illegal possession of the party office at bungalow no. 206, Rouse Avenue.

The show-cause notice observed that in the constitution of the aforesaid order, vide dated June 13, 2017, the PWD, Government of NCT of Delhi again directed the AAP to vacate the premises forthwith and also directed to pay dues amounting to Rs 27.73 lakh calculated for the illegal occupation up to May 31, 2017.

The notice also observed that the party should also pay the penal rent or market rent as per rules.

Earlier, it was reported that The Delhi High Court last month aside an order of the Lieutenant Governor, cancelling the allotment of a bungalow to the AAP in the heart of the Capital, saying no reason was given for the action.

However, scrutinising the HC order, the show-cause notice by the PWD noted that the court remanded the matter to the LG Anil Baijal to consider it and pass a reasoned order after hearing the AAP.

"The high court has kept the order dated June 13, 2017 in abeyance, whereby the PWD had rejected the request of the party for alternative accommodation and called upon the AAP to pay a sum of Rs 27.73 lakhs as penal rent for the period of unauthorized occupation," noted the show-cause notice.

The department has noted that this show-cause notice must be sent within a period of the seven days of the receipt of this notice. It added that if the party fails to send the explanation within the given period of time then the matter will be decided by the LG without any further reference. The reply should reach the LG by October 10.

Explaining the existing laws, the PWD has observed that the Legislative Assembly of the NCT Delhi did not have the legislative power of land and the council of the minister also cannot take any decision on land. Thereafter, a Cabinet decision could not be taken regarding a matter which was not within the purview of the Cabinet.

Earlier, the Shunglu panel had raised questions about the allotment in its report. It was reported that no time frame had been given to the Arvind Kejriwal-led party but the allotment has been cancelled by the Lieutenant Governor.

In response Aam Aadmi Party had alleged that it was a politically motivated move against the AAP.