‘Disclose defaulters’: HC directs HPTDC to name Govt departments/ private entities owing dues
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source internet
Shimla, June 27,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the Managing Director of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) to file a detailed affidavit disclosing the full list of defaulting government departments and private entities who have failed to clear their outstanding dues to the corporation.
Justice Sandeep Sharma issued the directive while hearing CWP 9681 of 2023, filed by petitioner Jai Krishan Mehta.
According to records placed before the Court, as of August 31, 2024, various departments of the Himachal Pradesh government collectively owed the HPTDC ₹1.68 crore. Out of this, recoveries amounting to ₹1,68,22,370 had been made by November 7, 2024. Similarly, ₹47.07 lakh was due from private individuals and entities, which had also reportedly been recovered by the same date.
However, the High Court observed that despite partial recoveries, the full dues—particularly from hotels or other commercial establishments—had not been cleared in entirety. “It is quite apparent from the statement made by the Managing Director, HPTDC, that full amount, if any, due towards hotels… has not been received till date,” noted the court.
The court has now sought a week-by-week recovery report to be submitted via affidavit. The Managing Director has been asked to specify; the amount still pending from various government departments, the number and names of private entities who have defaulted and which departments or private entities have failed to respond despite repeated notices.
The directive aims to enable the Court to issue appropriate orders if compliance is not ensured. The matter will be heard next on July 9, 2025.
Background & recent Court action
In CWP Jai Krishan Mehta vs. HPTDC, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has taken a strong stance to enforce financial accountability within the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC). The case pertains to substantial outstanding dues owed to HPTDC by both government departments and private entities.
As part of the Court’s broader push for fiscal discipline, two major directives were also issued in recent months:
Last year the Court ordered the closure of 18 loss-making HPTDC hotels by November 25, 2024, citing persistently low occupancy rates and unsustainable financial losses to the state exchequer. In the same directive, the Court asked HPTDC to prepare a list of superannuated or deceased Class-IV employees to ensure that dues payable to them or their families could be cleared from the recovered amounts.
Second, following a separate order dated November 12, 2024, the High Court mandated strict payment protocols for HPTDC services. It directed the Corporation to charge 80% advance for banquet bookings—particularly for private events such as weddings. The Court further instructed that all dues, especially those pending from government departments, be recovered by November 30, 2024, warning that defaulting department heads could face contempt proceedings.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
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