Centre to HC: HP CM sought One-Year extension for Chief Secretary Saxena, Six months granted under rules
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source internet
Shimla, Sept 6,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Wednesday deferred further proceedings in two connected PILs concerning the extension of the State Chief Secretary’s tenure, while simultaneously modifying a cost order to channel funds into disaster relief.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma noted that the Union Government had sanctioned only a six-month extension to the serving Chief Secretary, despite the State’s request for a one-year period. Referring to the submissions made, the Bench recorded, “There is a cap on the period of extension which is only six months and there can be no further extension beyond the said period in view of the mandatory provisions of the Rules.”
The Court observed that the decision was taken under Rule 16(1) of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefit) Rules, 1958. After examining the sealed records produced by the State, the Bench deferred the matter to September 22, 2025.
Also read:HC summons records on Chief Secretary’s extension; questions ‘Public Interest’ claim
On the issue of costs imposed earlier, the Court modified its June 20 order which had directed the State Government to pay ₹5 lakh as penalty. Instead, the judges redirected the amount to a relief fund being mobilized for citizens hit by severe weather conditions.
The order stated, “The High Court is in the process of collecting relief fund in the same pattern which was done in the year 2023, on account of the extremely bad weather in the State which has affected the general public and infrastructure and rendered many homeless.”
The Bench clarified that the money would be collected voluntarily from judges, staff, advocates of the High Court and district judiciary, and coordinated through the State Legal Services Authority. District Legal Services Authorities will identify affected areas and beneficiaries.
In a significant appeal to the legal community, the Court added:
“We hope so also with all the Members of the Bar at the District Level, of course, on voluntary basis.”
Accordingly, the State Government has been directed to deposit Rs 5 lakh with the Registrar (Accounts) within a week for onward relief work.
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