Centre assures Delhi High Court that Arvind Kejriwal will be allotted appropriate accommodation in 10 days

The Central government on Thursday assured the Delhi High Court that it will provide appropriate accommodation to national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Arvind Kejriwal in ten days [Aam Aadmi Party vs. Union of India through its Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs & Anr]..The statement was made before a Bench of Justice Sachin Datta this morning by Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta. "He will be allotted the appropriate accommodation within 10 days from today. You may record my statement," SG Mehta said. The Court said it would record the SG's statement in its order, which will be passed later..The Court was hearing a petition filed by the AAP seeking the allotment of a residential accommodation to Arvind Kejriwal in a centrally located area of New Delhi.The AAP had argued that according an office memorandum issued by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on July 31, 2014, the president of a national party is either allotted or allowed to retain one residential accommodation, provided that no other accommodation has been allotted to him/ her in any other capacity.It was contended that Kejriwal is eligible for being allotted such residential accommodation and that AAP has already made representations to the Ministry in this regard.The Court had sought the Centre's response in the matter in October last year. .During today's hearing of the matter, the Court noted that the Lieutenant General of Delhi had recently stated that the issue will be resolved soon. SG Mehta replied by assuring that suitable accommodation will be provided to Kejriwal in ten days time. Representing the AAP, Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra added that the accommodation given cannot be a downgrade from accommodation that had been given to Kejriwal in the past."It has been a Type 7 or 8. They cannot downgrade me to a Type 5. I’m not favoured, I’m not Bahujan Samaj Party," he said. "If you are not happy, don’t take it. Solution lies in you having a conversation with the SG," the Court replied. "Aam Aadmi never fights for type 8," the SG went on to remark."All this sloganeering was appropriate at elections, this is court," Mehra retorted. "I will record that appropriate accommodation will be given within 10 days. We will record your statement and pass an order," Justice Datta eventually said. The judge added that such issues have to be resolved."The practice of Ministry has to be noted. Not just this time for politician but to non politician as well. It is an issue that has to be resolved," he said. The Court also informed that it will give the AAP/ Kejriwal liberty to approach the government if he is not satisfied with the accommodation that is going to be allotted. "I will give you liberty to approach the Ministry," Justice Datta said. A detailed order will be passed later, the judge added. .[Live Coverage]