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CPI(M) demands removal of Acting Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, seeks FIR in Chester Hills case
Shimla, April 4,
Escalating its attack over alleged irregularities in the Chester Hills real estate project in Solan, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) has demanded the immediate removal of Acting Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta and the registration of an FIR against him for alleged misuse of office.
Addressing the media, CPI(M) State secretary Sanjay Chauhan said the officer had “violated multiple provisions of law” to extend undue benefits to the Chester Hills project in Solan. The party has also called for the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged illegal land transactions involving real estate and land mafias across Himachal Pradesh.
The demand builds on allegations first raised by the party during a press conference on March 30, 2026. CPI(M) has accused Gupta of interfering in proceedings under the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, 1972, particularly Section 118, which regulates land purchase by non-agriculturists.
According to the party, complaints were filed before the Solan district administration alleging that the promoters of Chester Hills had purchased land in violation of Section 118. A probe conducted at the sub-divisional level reportedly found evidence of benami transactions and recommended action against the owners.
However, CPI(M) alleged that on December 6, 2025, Gupta wrote to the Deputy Commissioner, Solan, dismissing the findings of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and pressuring the district administration to halt proceedings. The party claims this intervention had no legal basis under the Act.
In a significant development, the state’s Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) has now reportedly set aside the December 6 communication and directed that action be initiated under Section 118 against the project’s owners. This could potentially lead to the government taking possession of the disputed land.
The party has further alleged that Gupta improperly intervened in a separate matter concerning demolition orders issued by the Solan Municipal Corporation against alleged illegal constructions by Chester Hills. These orders had been passed under Sections 253 and 254 of the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1994.
CPI(M) claims that Gupta stayed these orders through hearings conducted on November 1 and November 6, 2025, despite lacking jurisdiction, as such matters are legally to be adjudicated by a District Judge.
Calling the actions a “clear abuse of authority,” the party has warned of a statewide agitation if the government fails to act. “If the Acting Chief Secretary is not removed and an FIR is not registered, CPI(M) will launch a mass movement across the state,” Chauhan said.
The Chester Hills issue has already drawn administrative attention, with the state government earlier ordering a re-examination of clearances linked to the project. The latest political escalation adds pressure on the government to clarify its position and take a call on accountability in the case.
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.
