Himachal Pradesh HC Orders Removal of Six Chief Parliamentary Secretaries

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the state government to immediately revoke the appointments and benefits of six Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, citing the unconstitutionality of the 2006 Act. This decision came after challenges from BJP MLAs and is expected to spark discussions at the government level.

The High Court of Himachal Pradesh has issued a landmark ruling, ordering the swift dismissal of six Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, along with the rescinding of their benefits and facilities. The division bench comprising Justice Vivek Singh Thakur and Justice Bipin Singh Negi declared that all accompanying salaries, allowances, and power privileges must also be withdrawn.

Reacting to the court's decision, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu indicated that a thorough discussion will be held with cabinet ministers. The Chief Minister stated, "I haven't read the order till now, but if the HC has ordered this then it will be discussed. A discussion will be held with the ministers of the cabinet."

The ruling came after Advocate Veerbahadur Verma, representing the BJP, argued that the 2006 act enabling these appointments was unconstitutional. The petition, led by 10 BJP MLAs including Satpal Sati, challenged these appointments in court. Advocate General Anup Kumar Rattan confirmed that the state assembly lacked the authority to enact the 2006 legislation, hinting that the affected parties might pursue the matter in the Supreme Court.

(With inputs from agencies.)