Decision to Shift Office from Shimla to Dharamshala Halted Amid Concerns Over Accommodation and Decongestion
In a significant development, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has stayed the relocation of the H.P. State Commission for Backward Classes from Shimla to Dharamshala. The decision, dated January 9, 2026, came in response to a petition challenging the state government's move, citing a lack of clarity on accommodation in Dharamshala and questioning the rationale behind the shift.
The case, Ram Lal Sharma v. State of H.P., was presided over by Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj. The petitioner, represented by Senior Advocate Mr. Ankush Dass Sood, argued that the relocation decision was made hastily following the appointment of the Commission's Chairman and members in December 2025. The Chairman, hailing from Kangra, proposed the shift to Dharamshala on December 24, 2025, shortly after his appointment.
The court noted that the current office in Shimla operates from a leased property secured for 99 years, with no recurring rental costs. It raised concerns about the absence of specific arrangements for office space in Dharamshala, questioning the practicality of the move given the minimal number of employees involved. The bench highlighted that the purpose of decongestion could be undermined, as the office comprises only 11 staff members, including six Class-IV employees.
The judgment referenced a prior court order dated December 30, 2025, which emphasized that a small workforce would not significantly contribute to decongestion efforts. The court has directed the state to maintain the status quo until further hearings scheduled for April 8, 2026.
The stay order reflects judicial caution in administrative decisions affecting public offices, ensuring that such moves are well-reasoned and practically viable. The court's intervention underscores the importance of transparency and foresight in governmental actions impacting public resources and workforce management.
Bottom Line:
Decision to shift the office of H.P. State Commission for Backward Classes from Shimla to Dharamshala stayed due to lack of clarity on accommodation and the purpose of decongestion being potentially frustrated by the minimal number of employees involved.
Statutory provision(s): Administrative Law.
Ram Lal Sharma v. State of H.P., (Himachal Pradesh)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2838084
