HC declines to allow PIL on RERA office dispute on SC directions
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Shimla, July 26
Himachal Pradesh High Court has disposed of a public interest litigation (CWPIL No. 38 of 2025) challenging the shifting of the Himachal Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HPRERA) office from Shimla to Dharamshala, taking note of directions already issued by the Supreme Court in the matter.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chander Negi observed that the State Government had informed the Supreme Court that the HPRERA office would soon become functional at Dharamshala.
The High Court noted that the apex court had already addressed concerns regarding access to the authority by directing the State to provide comprehensive online facilities.
According to the order, the Supreme Court, while hearing the State’s Special Leave Petition (SLP No. 5835 of 2026) against the High Court’s interim order dated December 30, 2025, had initially stayed the operation of that order and permitted the State to shift the HPRERA office to a place of its choice, subject to the final outcome of the case.
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Subsequently, on May 22, 2026, the Supreme Court directed the State Government to establish an online complaint filing system, virtual hearing facilities and other digital services to ensure that homebuyers, project promoters, advocates and other stakeholders, particularly those from the Shimla region, could pursue their cases without travelling to Dharamshala.
The apex court had also granted liberty to stakeholders to approach the competent authority if they experienced any hardship arising from the relocation, while directing the State Government to address genuine grievances without delay.
Taking note of these directions, the High Court observed that the Supreme Court had already disposed of the proceedings and granted appropriate safeguards to affected parties.
In view of the apex court’s order, the Division Bench closed the PIL and disposed of all pending miscellaneous applications.
PIL was filed by the petitioner alleging pending matter with the RERA and non functioning of RERA office at Dharmshala.
It is worthwhile to mention that despite number of cases of RERA belongs to Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur district state government has decided to shift the office to Dharmshala. Petitioners also filed PIL before Himachal Pradesh High court and gave relief to petitioner however state filed SPL before the SC which set aside HC directions in the matter stated that Court couldn’t intervened in the matter of policy decisions.
It is worthwhile to mention that Dharmshala is about 230 km from Shimla and after shifting of the office or not coming in operation forced several stakeholders to seek justice before the HC again.
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