Shimla Construction Halt: HP High Court Slams 'Police Inaction' in Unauthorised Build Case
The Himachal Pradesh High Court orders a stop to unauthorised construction between Boileauganj-Chakkar and questions police for shielding suspects.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has stepped in to stop the rapid rise of unauthorised multi-storey buildings in the heart of Shimla. In a stern move, the court ordered an immediate halt to all construction activities at a site located between Boileauganj and Chakkar, citing grave concerns over the destruction of green cover and blatant violations of building norms.
Court Orders Immediate Stop-Work
A Division Bench, consisting of Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C Negi, directed the Municipal Corporation of Shimla to issue stop-construction orders without delay. The decision follows a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that highlighted the emergence of two massive structures in the area, which reportedly tower over five to six floors.
The court's intervention comes after a detailed inspection report submitted by the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), who visited the site alongside officials from the Municipal Corporation and the Forest Department.
Shocking Violations and Environmental Damage
The DLSA report painted a grim picture of the site, supported by photographic evidence and Google imagery dating back to 2020. Key findings include:
- Illegal Height: One building has reached six levels, while another stands at four storeys with a habitable sloping roof.
- Blocking the View: The six-level structure was found to be obstructing the valley view, a direct violation of Regulation 31 of the Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning Rules (as amended in 2025).
- Deforestation: The report documented the uprooting of at least four trees in Khasra Nos. 425/1 and 425/2, significantly reducing the local green cover.
- Defying Bans: Excavation and construction allegedly continued even during the rainy season, ignoring the hill-cutting and excavation ban notified on August 30, 2025.
Police Under Fire for 'Shielding' Accused
While the construction violations were alarming, the court was equally appalled by the conduct of the local police. The Bench questioned why the police had left the names of suspects blank in the First Information Report (FIR), listing the accused as "unknown."
This omission was viewed as particularly suspicious because the court had previously identified the individuals involved, including the developer, M/s Tenzin Construction Private Limited. The Bench observed that this appeared to be a deliberate attempt to shield those responsible for the illegal activity.
The court expressed deep concern that such massive violations occurred despite the presence of the Forest Department, Municipal Corporation, and Police Department, suggesting serious lapses and possible collusion between the agencies.
What Happens Next?
The Station House Officer (SHO) of Police Station West, Boileauganj, who was present in court, has now undertaken to:
- Include the names of the actual accused persons in the FIR.
- Expedite the investigation.
- Submit a comprehensive status report on the actions taken by the next hearing.
Additionally, the SHO has been tasked with serving a copy of the court's order to the occupants of the site to ensure that all construction stops immediately. The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for November 4, 2026.