LegalDispute – Delhi High Court Seeks Replies Over Congress Property Claim
LegalDispute – The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked both the Central government and the Delhi government to submit their responses on a petition filed by the Indian National Congress regarding the execution of a sale deed linked to its former office premises at 7, Jantar Mantar Road in the national capital.
Court Issues Notice on Interim Relief Plea
The matter came up before Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, who also issued notices concerning the Congress party’s request for interim protection in the case. Through this plea, the party has sought directions to ensure that the property in question is not transferred or allotted to any other individual or organisation while the legal proceedings remain pending.
During the hearing, the court raised questions regarding whether the writ petition filed by the Congress was maintainable under the law. The judge indicated that the matter could possibly require the filing of a civil suit instead of continuing under the present legal route.
The court, however, decided to seek formal responses from the concerned authorities before taking any further decision on the issue.
Next Hearing Scheduled for September
According to court proceedings, the case has now been listed for its next hearing on September 14. The upcoming hearing is expected to focus on the legal validity of the petition as well as the party’s demand for protection over the disputed property.
The Congress has argued that it has historical and legal ties to the premises dating back several decades. In its submissions before the court, the party stated that it had been occupying a portion of the property since 1946, several years before the building was formally allotted to it.
Congress Refers to Historical Possession
The party informed the court that the property was officially allotted to the Congress in 1956. It further claimed that financial payments connected to the property transaction were completed years ago.
As per the petition, the Congress paid approximately Rs 6.1 lakh toward the sale consideration in 1959. Apart from this amount, the party also stated that it deposited additional premium charges along with ground rent linked to the premises.
The petition has been filed seeking execution of the sale deed, which the Congress argues has still not been completed despite the payments and long-term possession associated with the property.
Property Matter Draws Legal Attention
The case has attracted attention due to the historical significance of the property and its association with one of the country’s oldest political parties. The premises at Jantar Mantar Road had earlier served as an important office location connected to Congress activities in the capital.
Legal experts note that questions related to old property allotments and execution of sale deeds often involve examination of government records, payment documents, lease conditions and administrative approvals issued over different periods of time.
The court is expected to examine whether the Congress has sufficient legal grounds to seek enforcement of the sale deed through the present petition and whether interim protection should continue until the dispute is fully resolved.
At this stage, the High Court has not expressed any final opinion on the merits of the case. The responses from the Centre and the Delhi government are likely to play an important role in determining the future course of proceedings.