HC defers Brahmo Samaj property case; Chargesheet, further hearing on September 23
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Shimla, August 18
Himachal Pradesh High Court has deferred hearing in the continuing litigation concerning the Himalayan Brahmo Samaj property in Shimla till September 23, after taking on record the latest status report filed by the State regarding the criminal cases connected with the dispute.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C. Negi was hearing Criminal Writ Petition No. 24 of 2024 along with connected Criminal Writ Petition No. 23 of 2024.
In an order passed on August 12, the court recorded that a status report had been filed by the State in connection with FIR No. 212 of 2024, registered on November 25, 2024.
According to the report, a chargesheet has been prepared against Vishal Sharma, Dharam Pal Thakur and Mela Ram and has been forwarded to the District Attorney, Shimla, for legal scrutiny. It is to be submitted before the trial court at the earliest.
The Bench also recorded the position emerging from FIR No. 215 of 2024, registered on December 8, 2024. The only offences stated to have been disclosed at this stage are under Section 406 read with Section 120-B of the IPC and Section 6 of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.
The order records that the allegation relates to the Trust property and names Promila Suri, Nitin Suri and Lalit Verma in connection with the matter.
Earlier, on July 28, the court had examined the original indenture dated October 31, 1897, and the purchase deed dated April 10, 1886, produced by Lalit Verma, General Secretary of the Himalayan Brahmo Samaj. The Investigating Officer, who was present in court, confirmed that he was satisfied with the production of the original documents.
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The court on August 12 also dismissed an application filed by petitioner seeking modification of its July 28 order, observing that the earlier order merely recorded the stand taken on the basis of the reply filed by the Superintendent of Police and did not issue any binding direction requiring modification.
The proceedings have now been deferred to September 23, 2026.
It is worthwhile to mention that Shimla police lodged cross FIRs in the matter against the both parties and an FIR also lodged about some sell deeds which indicates transaction of 140 yrs property and temple by the some of trustees. In the past parties in dispute taken the matter to Supreme court now referred back to division Himachal Pradesh High court.
This matter related to a prime trust property in the heart of Shimla town involving around several bigha big estate.
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