Asking why the allotment should not be cancelled, the Public Works Department of the Delhi government issued a show-cause notice to the Aam Aadmi Party earlier this week over its office functioning out of a Rouse Avenue bungalow.
In its notice, the PWD asked why the AAP should not pay market rent for the property, as well as charges for the furniture and fixtures.
‘Illegal occupation’
According to PWD officials, the notice was issued following a Delhi High Court order in August that set aside an earlier order that cancelled the allotment of the property. The court had said that no reason was given by the PWD for its decision.
Apart from cancelling the allotment, on orders of the Lieutenant-Governor, the PWD had in June also asked the party to pay ₹27,73,802 as penal rent for occupying the premises illegally. Since land is a subject under the L-G, the allotment of the property by the elected government had come under scrutiny.
On Tuesday, the PWD issued a fresh show-cause notice, giving the AAP a week to respond, after which the matter would be forwarded to Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal, said officials.
