HP High Court reportedly stays Chief Secretary order in Solan demolition case, notice issued
Shimla, April 7,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court is reported to have stayed an order issued by Chief Secretary in connection with a demolition dispute involving the Municipal Corporation (MC) Solan, and has sought responses from the concerned parties within four weeks.
According to information available from proceedings, the matter came up before Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua, who is stated to have issued notices to the respondents while passing an interim direction staying the operation of the Chief Secretary’s order dated February 24, 2026. The detailed order, however, is awaited.
The dispute pertains to a construction activity in the Jawahar Park area of Solan. The MC Commissioner had earlier passed demolition orders on March 28, 2024, alleging encroachment based on a demarcation exercise conducted on December 18, 2023.
Subsequently, Renu Suri and others approached the Chief Secretary in appeal. In his order, the Chief Secretary is reported to have set aside the demolition directions, observing that the action of the MC authorities was not in conformity with principles of natural justice. The order also reportedly questioned the demarcation process and permitted continuation of construction in accordance with an approved building plan, along with certain ancillary directions to clear access to the property.
As per information available, the petition is understood to raise questions regarding the scope of administrative authority in reviewing municipal enforcement actions, particularly in matters relating to alleged encroachment and demolition.
Meanwhile, the development has triggered political reactions. Communist Party of India (Marxist) State secretary Sanjay Chauhan alleged misuse of authority and demanded action against the Chief Secretary, including his removal and registration of an FIR. Chauhan further referred to an earlier controversy linked to the Chester Hills projects in Solan, where, according to him, an inquiry report prepared at the SDM level highlighting alleged irregularities was not acted upon. He also claimed that a decision taken at the level of the Chief Secretary in that matter was subsequently revisited by the state government.
These assertions are part of political statements and have not been examined or adjudicated upon by the Court in the present proceedings.
The matter is expected to be taken up after responses are filed by the parties.
This report is based on available information regarding court proceedings. The detailed judicial order is awaited.
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