Old photo used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, Feb 16,
Himachal Pradesh Budget Session 2026: In significant legislative business on the opening day, the Assembly once again passed the Amendment Bill seeking to extend the tenure of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Shimla Municipal Corporation from two and a half years to five years.
The Bill had earlier been returned by the Governor for reconsideration, with observations concerning statutory tenure provisions and the existing rotational framework.
Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania informed the House that the Governor had pointed out that at the time of Municipal Corporation elections, the tenure of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor was fixed at two and a half years. Councillors had contested under that statutory framework, which also provided for rotational allocation of posts after completion of term in August.
Also read:Himachal Govt pushes Shimla Mayor tenure bill again in assembly; hearing in High court on Feb 24
The Governor’s observations noted that altering tenure mid-term could affect the established rotation system and the expectations formed at the time of election. Referring to Rule 162(2), the Speaker placed the matter before the House for reconsideration.
Following the Governor’s address, Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh reintroduced the Bill. The House passed the legislation again in its original form. The amendment seeks to formalise the Cabinet’s earlier decision to extend the tenure to five years.
Under constitutional procedure, when a Bill is returned and subsequently passed again by the Legislature, it is ordinarily reconsidered for assent.
Land Revenue (RERA-Linked) amendment also repassed
The Speaker also informed the House that the Governor had returned the Himachal Pradesh Land Revenue (Amendment) Bill, 2025 — formally titled the HP Bhusampada Regulation and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2025 — which relates to the appointment framework of the Chairperson of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority.
According to the observations conveyed, the Governor noted that the subject falls within the Concurrent List and cited a Supreme Court judgment while returning the Bill. The legislation had earlier been passed during the Winter Session but had not received assent.
Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani reintroduced the amendment. The Assembly once again passed the Bill, reiterating its position.
Both Bills are now expected to be transmitted again to Raj Bhavan for consideration in accordance with constitutional provisions.
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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.
