HC takes suo motu cognizance of EV charging gaps, registers PIL
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Shimla, Sept 17
Himachal Pradesh High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of inadequate charging infrastructure for the growing number of electric vehicles in the state and registered a separate PIL, directing the government to submit an action plan to address the issue.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj took note of the increasing number of electric vehicles being operated in Himachal Pradesh and the difficulties faced by tourists and local residents in accessing charging facilities.
The Court observed that the State Government was encouraging the use of electric vehicles to save energy and reduce fuel expenses, particularly as Himachal Pradesh has reasonable electricity resources and a continuous power supply.
The Bench noted that the existing charging infrastructure was inadequate, especially in view of the large number of tourists visiting the state. It observed that charging stations should be established at prominent locations so that EV users are not forced to wander in search of charging facilities.
The Court said an appropriate number of charging stations should be established along highways and in major towns. It also took note of the fact that charging stations contain expensive electrical equipment vulnerable to pilferage and theft, making their location an important consideration for their security and maintenance.
As an initial measure, the Bench said there should be a mandatory minimum of two charging stations at every district headquarters within the premises of the respective Circuit Houses. It further directed that similar facilities be provided at Himachal Bhawan in Chandigarh and Delhi.
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The Court observed that locating the stations at these premises would facilitate their use by government vehicles as well as the general public, besides making it easier to monitor and maintain them in safe working condition.
The Bench directed the State to file an affidavit outlining how it proposes to put a compliance policy in place, if one is not already available, keeping in view the subsidies being provided for electric vehicles and their promotion by both the State and Union governments.
The Secretaries of the Departments of Transport, Public Works and Tourism and Civil Aviation have been impleaded as respondents and directed to file necessary affidavits before the next date of hearing.
The matter has been listed for consideration on November 3, 2026.
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