Accommodation for Arvind Kejriwal within 10 days: Centre assures Delhi High Court

The Central Government on Thursday (September 25, 2025) assured the Delhi High Court that “appropriate” residential accommodation would be allotted to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal within 10 days.

Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, made the submission before Justice Sachin Datta.

Justice Datta said the Court would record the assurance in its order and observed that such matters needed a clear procedure.

The Court was hearing a plea filed by the Aam Aadmi Party seeking a bungalow for its national convener in the capital.

During the hearing, senior advocate Rahul Mehra, representing the AAP, said that the Centre must specify the category of accommodation to be allotted, adding that it cannot be a downgrade from the accommodation given to Mr. Kejriwal in the past.

The Court, however, said Mr. Kejriwal could approach the government again if dissatisfied with the residence allotted.

The matter comes after repeated hearings in which the Court had expressed concern over delays and lack of clarity in the allotment process.

On September 16, the Court had censured the Centre for its “free system for all” approach, noting that allocation of official residences could not be left to discretion or whims.

It was earlier informed that a Type VII bungalow at 35, Lodhi Estate — which was proposed by the party for Mr. Kejriwal — had already been allotted to Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary in July.

The bungalow was vacated by BSP chief Mayawati in May this year.

In its petition, the AAP said under the guidelines for allotment of accommodation from the general pool to political parties, the president of a recognised national party was entitled to one government residence in Delhi, provided they neither own a house nor have been allotted one in any other official capacity.