HP High Court resolves disruption threats to ‘Shaheed Kalyan Singh Memorial Mela
Shimla, May 26
In a recent case, the High Court of Himachal Pradesh has issued an order preventing any person or authority from interfering with the ongoing ‘Shaheed Kalyan Singh Memorial Khel Avam Saanskritik Mela’ organized by the fair committee in Halhan, Tehsil Shillai, District Sirmaur. The Division Bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Virender Singh, passed this order in response to a petition filed by Sh. Kundan Singh, the President of the fair committee.
According to the petitioner, the event began on May 24, 2023, attracting thousands of people and various teams to participate in the fair. This annual fair has been organized for the past 23 years in memory of Shaheed Kalyan Singh, a martyr in the Kargil war. The petitioner alleged that mischievous individuals had threatened to disrupt the fair and had previously damaged a government JCB vehicle to hinder the ground leveling process. Despite the presence of an ample police force, these troublemakers, armed with weapons such as lathis, dandas, and other iron objects, have occupied the fairgrounds, impeding the smooth organization of the fair.
Also read: High Court directs oversight committees to submit reports on CCTVs in police stations of Himachal Pradesh
The petitioner sought the intervention of the Deputy Commissioner of Sirmaur, Superintendent of Police of Sirmaur, and Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Shillai to remove these miscreants from the site and take appropriate legal action against them.
During the hearing, it was revealed that the Principal Secretary (Home) to the Government of Himachal Pradesh had been informed about the Mela and had issued instructions to the Director General of Police to address the matter. The court, considering the facts and circumstances, observed that no person could interfere with the events taking place at the Mela unless they infringed upon the rights of individuals or their property. The court explicitly stated that no person or authority should disrupt the sports activities at the fair.
Additionally, the court directed the Mela Committee to ensure the maintenance of health, hygiene, and cleanliness in the fairground area. After the event, the committee is responsible for ensuring the proper disposal of litter and garbage in accordance with the law. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Shillai has been instructed to submit a status report on these matters by May 29, 2023. A copy of the court order has been sent to the SDM, Shillai, via mobile phone.
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