Judgment Shakes Himachal Pradesh: Court Voids Parliamentary Appointments

The Himachal Pradesh High Court nullified the appointment of six chief parliamentary secretaries, deeming the 2006 enabling law unconstitutional. The court also withdrew their privileges and questioned the legislative competence of the state legislature. The BJP opposed these appointments, citing constitutional limits on ministerial numbers.

In a significant legal development, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has annulled the appointment of six chief parliamentary secretaries, delivering a blow to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The division bench pronounced the enabling law of 2006 void, effectively reversing the appointments.

The court's decision mandates the immediate withdrawal of all facilities and privileges granted to these secretaries. Justices Vivek Thakur and Bipin Chander Negi underscored the unconstitutional nature of the appointments, labeling the appointed individuals as 'usurpers of public office.'

The BJP had challenged these appointments, asserting they exceeded the constitutional cap on the number of ministers. The court's verdict is a repeat of a 2005 decision where similar appointments were also quashed, echoing longstanding questions on the legislative processes in the state.

(With inputs from agencies.)