Shimla, Jan 1,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Monday issued directions to the state authorities to ensure that pedestrian movement on Shimla’s Mall Road and the stretch leading to the Ridge is not obstructed due to food and recreational stalls installed for the Winter Carnival.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj passed the order while hearing a public interest litigation filed by Jai Lal vs. State of H.P. & Others.
The court noted concerns raised over the alleged unhindered installation of stalls after a short-term quotation notice for leasing space near the Ridge and Gaiety Theatre from December 22 to December 31, 2025. The tender was allotted to Respondent No. 7, “who has further subletted the same,” the order recorded.
The petitioner submitted that the food stalls “have been installed all over, leading to blockage of the walking area on the mall road itself” and that gas cylinders were being used “in impunity”, without water connections and with no checks on food safety standards — allegedly violating the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Additionally, the Bench took note of the claim that the top floor of a designated parking lot had been occupied for stalls, “leading to traffic jams” at a time when large numbers of tourists visit the city.
Calling it a recurring issue likely to arise again during the Summer Festival, the court observed that guidelines may need to be prescribed. “Keeping in view the above, the official respondents shall ensure that there is no blockage of the walk ways on the mall and adjoining road leading to the Ridge due to installation of the stalls,” the Bench ordered.
Highlighting the safety aspect, the order stressed that “sufficient space is left for pedestrian movement, as it is also safety issue that in case of emergencies, the ambulance has to ply on the said road.”
The court issued notice to the respondents returnable as the matter will be listed for a next date.
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