Shimla, Sep 1,
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Monday passed the Himachal Pradesh Prohibition of Change of Public Utilities Bill, 2025Â by voice vote to safeguard essential public assets built on private land but used for community purposes for the last ten years or more.
Also read:Himachal Pradesh Government to introduce New Bill to Protect Public Utilities
The legislation, which was laid in the House on August 29, seeks to permanently resolve disputes over roads, irrigation channels, schools, hospitals and other facilities constructed decades ago on private land with the consent of landowners. These assets, having received substantial state investment, gradually acquired the nature of public property.
The Act prohibits any private individual, company, or trust from disturbing, demolishing, or reclaiming ownership of such utilities. It bars civil courts from entertaining related disputes, instead vesting powers with district Collectors to restore disturbed utilities. Appeals may be taken up to the Financial Commissioner, whose decision will be final.
The law prescribes penalties including imprisonment of up to six months or fines between ₹2,000 and ₹10,000 for violations, while explicitly ruling out compensation for landown
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