In a lively courtroom exchange laced with political jabs, the Delhi High Court on Thursday heard arguments over official housing for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assuring a swift resolution.
Representing the centre virtually, Mehta told Justice Sachin Datta that suitable accommodations would be allotted to Kejriwal within 10 days, prompting the court to record the statement for a formal order later.
The plea, filed by AAP seeking a residence in Lutyens’ Delhi for Kejriwal as a recognised national party leader, drew sharp exchanges on bungalow types. Senior advocate Rahul Mehra, for AAP, objected vehemently to any downgrade from the previous Type 7 or 8 to a Type 5, declaring, “I am not biased, nor am I from the Bahujan Samaj Party.”
The quip alluded to BSP chief Mayawati’s past occupation of the sought-after 35 Lutyens Estate bungalow, now allotted to a Union Minister of State.
Mehta countered wittily, “Kejriwal calls himself the aam aadmi; no common man fights for a Type 8 bungalow.” Mehra shot back that such “sloganeering” was fine during elections but out of place in court. Justice Datta, urging resolution through dialogue, quipped, “If you’re not happy, don’t take it.”
Kejriwal vacated his official Flagstaff Road residence in October 2024 after resigning as Delhi Chief Minister and has been staying at a party colleague’s quarters near Mandi House. The court granted liberty to approach the ministry and listed the matter for statements, stressing transparent policy over “whims.”. This comes after earlier hearings where the court rapped the Centre for delays.
As AAP pushes for equity, the saga highlights the high-stakes tussle over perks in India’s political corridors.