'SP misused power to occupy office space for Rs 115', Supreme Court reprimanded:

News Topical, Digital Desk : The Supreme Court on Monday pulled up the Samajwadi Party for "fraudulently acquiring" office space in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh for just Rs 115 and termed it a "clear misuse of political power". A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi told senior advocate Siddharth Dave, appearing for the political party, that this was not a case of fraudulent allotment but of "fraudulently acquiring space by misuse of muscle power and power".

When action is taken, then everything starts to come to mind- Court

The apex court was hearing the party's plea here against the eviction order of the Pilibhit Municipal Council. Dave argued that despite paying rent for the office, the municipal authorities are adamant on evicting his client. He said a suit has been filed seeking stay of the eviction order. "You are a political party. You misused official position and political power to occupy the place. When action is taken, you start remembering everything. Have you ever heard of office space being rented for Rs 115 in a municipal area? This is a clear case of misuse of power," the bench said.

'These are not fraudulent allotments, but fraudulent possession'

When Dave pleaded not to be evicted for six weeks, the bench said, "At this point of time you are an unauthorised occupant. These are not fraudulent allotments but fraudulent occupations." Dave claimed that the party was being targeted by the authorities. The bench said, "It would be better if you file a petition in the high court and bring any such fraudulent allotment or occupation to the notice of the court. We will welcome this move."

The municipal council had given the order for eviction

On June 16, the Supreme Court dismissed the petition of the party's Pilibhit district president challenging the High Court order which prevented him from filing a fresh petition in the matter of the order to vacate the local party office. The apex court gave the party the liberty to move the High Court against the decision of the civic body.