Himachal HC adjourns criminal appeals after Centre cites Nepal unrest stalling extradition pact

Shimla, Sept 10,

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has deferred hearings in multiple criminal appeals, including State of H.P vs. Mahesh Khattary and others, after the Union Government sought additional time citing prevailing unrest in Nepal that has delayed the finalisation of an India–Nepal extradition treaty.

On September 9, a Division Bench comprising Justice Vivek Singh Thakur and Justice Sushil Kukreja heard Criminal Appeal No. 220 of 2023 along with connected appeals.

During the hearing, Senior Panel Counsel for the Union of India, Mr. Lokinder Paul Thakur, informed the Court that the treaty between India and Nepal was at its final stage. However, in view of the prevailing circumstances in Nepal, he requested six weeks’ additional time to comply with the Court’s earlier directions.

This is not the first time the issue has come up before the Court. On July 8, a Bench led by Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Sushil Kukreja had observed that despite India forwarding a counter-draft of the treaty to Nepal on February 6, 2025, there had been no response from Kathmandu. The Court had then asked the Centre to actively pursue the matter through diplomatic channels.

While the courtroom exchange underscores the challenges of cross-border legal cooperation, the instability in Nepal has also triggered wider economic concerns in Himachal Pradesh. The hill state’s apple economy, now in peak harvest season, is heavily reliant on Nepali labourers who form the backbone of fruit-picking, packing, and transportation work.

Every year, thousands of Nepali migrant workers arrive in Himachal for the season, sustaining both the local economy and their own households back home. Their absence, amid fears of escalating violence and political upheaval across the border, could deal a double blow—delaying apple operations in Himachal and cutting off a critical seasonal income source for many families in Nepal.

Even as of date, those Nepal residents working in Himachal Pradesh and other parts of India, remain concerned about the ongoing situation in their country.

Interestingly, this annual migration is also tied to a steady financial flow: workers carry their Indian earnings back to Nepal, particularly during Diwali, exchanging them for local currency and contributing to an informal economic bridge between the two countries.

As the High Court proceedings remain pending, the ripple effects of Nepal’s unrest are now being felt far beyond the legal arena—touching the orchards of Himachal and the livelihoods of thousands on both sides of the border.

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Himachalscape bureau

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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.

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Himachalscape bureau

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.