Himachal High Court orders Independent site inspection over cremation ground near School in Chamba
Photo used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, Dec 24,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered an independent site inspection in a petition raising objections to the construction of a cremation ground allegedly located close to a school campus in Chamba district and purportedly undertaken without statutory approvals.
The directions were issued by Justice Ajay Mohan Goel while hearing Dayanand Math, Chamba & another versus State of Himachal Pradesh & others (CWP No. 18070 of 2025). The petitioners have alleged that the cremation ground is being constructed barely 50 metres from a school and on government land without requisite permissions.
Taking note of the concerns, the Court observed that the allegations warranted an objective factual verification. “In the interest of justice,” the Court directed the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Chamba, to personally visit the site and submit a detailed report.
As per the order, the Secretary DLSA has been asked to examine whether the proposed cremation ground is indeed located in close proximity to a school and, if so, what repercussions its construction may have. The report must also specify the distance of the site from nearby residential areas, water sources and other sensitive locations, and clarify whether the construction has been carried out after obtaining all necessary permissions and statutory sanctions required under law. The Court further directed that the report should indicate whether any alternative cremation ground already exists in the area and its location.
The Court ordered that both the petitioners and the concerned respondents, including respondent No. 6, be associated with the site visit. It also granted liberty to the parties to assist the Secretary DLSA by furnishing relevant documents. The Secretary has been directed to submit the report on or before January 8, 2026, and the matter has been listed for further hearing on February 25, 2026.
The Registry has been directed to supply a copy of the order along with the complete paper book to the Secretary DLSA to facilitate compliance
About the Author
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.
