Court Responds to NGO's Plea on Rave Parties Fueling Drug Abuse in Kullu and Manali
In a significant move, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of illegal rave parties allegedly occurring in the picturesque towns of Kullu, Jibhi, and Manali. The action follows a letter from the Himalayan Environment Protection Society, Kullu, which highlighted the rampant organization of such parties under the pretext of tourism, with allegations of political patronage and easy availability of drugs.
The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) registered as CWPIL No. 53 of 2025, brought to light the concerning situation where rave parties, reportedly involving high-value ticket sales ranging from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,00,000, are conducted openly, with videos circulating online.
Justice Romesh Verma, presiding over the case, has directed the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Kullu, alongside local administration and police authorities, to visit the identified locations and submit a comprehensive report within ten days. This directive comes in the wake of affidavits from the Superintendents of Police of Kullu and Mandi, revealing no FIRs registered against such illegal activities despite media reports to the contrary.
The court has expressed serious concerns over the lack of legal enforcement and has questioned the affidavits filed by the police. It has ordered the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, Kullu, to submit personal affidavits responding to the media reports, which suggest a large influx of revelers for a scheduled four-day event starting June 7, 2026, with ticket prices as high as Rs. 16,000.
The court has emphasized the need for effective judicial intervention to address societal issues, underscoring the judiciary's role in ensuring the enforcement of law and order. The matter is set to be reviewed on June 18, 2026, with the court expecting detailed reports and affidavits that could shape further legal action.
Bottom line:-
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) initiated by the Court based on a letter from Himalayan Environment Protection Society, Kullu, addressing the issue of illegal "Rave Parties" in Kullu, Jibhi, Manali, and other parts of Himachal Pradesh allegedly organized under the guise of tourism, involving drug usage and high-value ticketing.
Statutory provision(s): Public Interest Litigation, Criminal Law, Judicial Intervention
Court on its own motion v. State of HP, (Himachal Pradesh) : Law Finder Doc id # 2923670
