The Delhi High Court emphasized that the allocation of government residences should not be subject to arbitrary decision-making by authorities during a hearing related to a plea from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for a bungalow for its national convener and former Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal. Justice Sachin Datta directed officials from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Directorate of Estates to attend a virtual hearing on September 25, highlighting concerns over the Central government’s handling of the bungalow allotment process.
On Tuesday, the court criticized the government for its delays, likening its approach to a “free system for all.” Justice Datta pressed the Centre for clarity on its procedures, questioning, “Is there a procedure in place? I want to see how this procedure has been applied in the past. How are priorities fixed, and what sequence is followed?” He also raised concerns over how decisions are made, particularly when there are limited residences available.
The court called for the establishment of a “transparent mechanism” for bungalow allocations, emphasizing that such decisions should not be left to personal discretion. “As long as there is a clear and discernible policy, I would like to know the method of assessing priority. I am concerned with the larger issue of how discretion is exercised in the allotment of bungalows,” Justice Datta stated.
Responding to the court’s inquiries, the Centre’s counsel informed that the Type VII bungalow at 35, Lodhi Estate, which AAP sought for Kejriwal, had already been allocated to Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary on July 24. This information came in response to earlier questions about the timing of the allotment decision.
The court has ordered the Centre to submit by September 18 the existing policy governing the allocation of residences from the general pool, as well as the current waiting list. AAP’s senior advocate, Rahul Mehra, contended that while the Centre requested additional time to respond to AAP’s proposal for the Lodhi Estate bungalow, the residence was simultaneously given to another individual. This bungalow became available after being vacated by Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati in May of this year.
In its petition, AAP argues that, according to guidelines for the allotment of accommodations from the general pool to political parties, the president of a recognized national party is entitled to one government residence in Delhi, contingent on not owning or occupying another residence in an official capacity.
As this case unfolds, it highlights the critical need for transparency in government processes and equitable treatment for political leaders regarding accommodation, a topic likely to resonate with the public and political analysts alike. The court’s insistence on established procedures raises significant questions about the current system and the principles governing it, setting the stage for further scrutiny of administrative practices in residence allotment.
This article underscores an ongoing discourse on accountability and fairness within governmental operations in Delhi, inviting attention to the criteria and methodologies that influence public resource distribution.
Keywords: Delhi High Court, Arvind Kejriwal, bungalow allotment, Aam Aadmi Party, government residences, transparency, housing policy.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/allotment-of-govt-bungalows-cant-be-on-whims-hc/article70067195.ece
Category : Delhi
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Publish Date: 2025-09-19 01:54:00
