The Supreme Court on Monday sharply criticized the Samajwadi Party for “fraudulently occupying” office space in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, for a mere Rs 115, labeling it a blatant misuse of political power. Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, hearing the party’s plea against an eviction order by the Nagarpalika Parishad of Pilibhit, described the occupation as driven by “muscle power” rather than a legitimate allotment.

Senior advocate Siddharth Dave, representing the Samajwadi Party, argued that the party had been paying rent and had filed a suit to block the eviction. However, the bench dismissed the argument, stating, “You are a political party. You misused official position and political power to occupy the space. Have you ever heard of office space in a municipal area for Rs 115 rent?” The court emphasized that the party was an “unauthorized occupant” and urged it to challenge any fraudulent allotments via a writ petition in the high court.

The Samajwadi Party’s plea contested a July 2 Allahabad High Court order that refused to hear its case. The civic body had ordered the party to vacate the premises on November 12, 2020, without a hearing, according to the party’s claims. The Supreme Court also noted a 998-day delay in the party’s appeal against a December 2020 high court order. Declining to rule on the plea, the bench directed the civil court to resolve the party’s suit swiftly and allowed the party to approach the high court for further recourse.

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