Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source internet
Shimla, Aug 4,
The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) is under increasing judicial pressure as the High Court pulls up the state-run entity for failing to clear long-pending dues of retired employees and pensioners, raising questions over governance and financial management in the state.
In two separate hearings this week, the Himachal Pradesh High Court expressed dissatisfaction over HPTDC’s continued delay in settling payments, despite prior directions.
In the case of Naresh Sarkar v. HPTDC & Another (CWP of 2024), Justice Sandeep Sharma, on July 31, came down heavily on the corporation for not filing a full compliance affidavit as earlier ordered. Although no convincing reason was provided, the court granted a final ten-day extension with a stern warning. “No further leniency shall be shown,” the judge remarked, adding that the Managing Director of HPTDC must personally appear before the court if compliance is not completed by the next hearing on August 19.
Meanwhile, in a related matter — Sunil Keskar v. HPTDC (Execution Petition of 2025) — Justice Ajay Mohan Goel took note of the petitioner’s urgent medical needs. While HPTDC claimed it had paid Rs 2.55 lakh, the petitioner stated that dues exceeding Rs 5 lakh, including interest, were still pending. Taking a humanitarian stance, the court directed HPTDC to disburse at least Rs 4 lakh within two weeks to facilitate the petitioner’s upcoming surgery. The matter is posted for further hearing on August 18.
These developments paint a troubling picture of the corporation’s financial obligations spiraling into courtrooms, with aggrieved employees increasingly seeking legal redress. Observers say the repeated judicial interventions point to a systemic failure, contradicting the state government’s public assertions of fiscal prudence and administrative accountability.
As legal scrutiny intensifies, the ball now lies squarely in the government’s court to restore trust among its retired workforce and ensure institutional compliance with judicial directives.
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.
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