HC defers hearing on PIL challenging Shimla Mayor, Dy Mayor tenure extension, respondents told to file replies by Dec 30
Old photo used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, Dec 10,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Tuesday postponed the hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL) questioning the state government’s recent decision to extend the tenure of the Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The petition, filed by Advocate Anjali Soni Verma, has brought the spotlight back on a move that has stirred intense debate within the state’s civic and political circles.
When the matter was listed before the division bench of Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj, the State Advocate General informed the court that the government had yet to file its reply to the petition. Seeking additional time, the Advocate General requested the bench to grant an extension for submitting the state’s position on the ordinance.
Counsel representing the Shimla Municipal Corporation also sought more time to place its response on record.
Acknowledging both requests, the High Court granted time and adjourned the matter to December 30, while directing all respondents to file their replies before the next hearing.
At the heart of the litigation is the Sukhu government’s ordinance that revised the term of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor from two and a half years to a full five-year tenure. The petitioner argues that such an alteration is arbitrary, lacks a sound legal basis, and runs contrary to established practices governing municipal bodies. The PIL seeks judicial scrutiny of whether the state government possessed the authority to alter the tenure mid-cycle and whether the change adheres to constitutional and statutory norms.
The controversy has quickly become a focal point of civic discourse in Shimla. While the government has defended its decision as a step towards ensuring administrative continuity and efficiency, critics—including opposition councillors and even some within the ruling party—contend that the shift raises questions of legality, timing, and motive.
The upcoming hearing on December 30 is now expected to provide clarity on the legal footing of the ordinance. With both governance implications and political ramifications intertwined, the court’s eventual stance will likely have a significant bearing on Shimla’s municipal framework going forward.
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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.
