The Himachal Pradesh High Court has transferred the investigation into HPPCL Chief Engineer Vimal Negi’s mysterious death to the CBI, following a petition by his wife. Negi’s body was found in Gobind Sagar Lake after he went missing. Allegations of harassment by senior officials prompted the court’s decision for an impartial investigation.
Today, On 21st April, Lawyers from the Himachal Pradesh High Court held a protest demanding strict action against a police constable accused of assaulting a local advocate. Senior Advocate Sanjeev Bhushan condemned the police for their insensitivity and misuse of power, calling the matter serious enough for public protest.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has announced its winter vacation schedule, closing from January 13 to February 23. A vacation bench will hear urgent cases from February 7 to February 9, with judges designated to manage cases throughout the break. Essential hearings will primarily occur on Fridays, with some exceptions.
Justice Augustine George Masih, born on March 12, 1963, in Punjab, was appointed as a Supreme Court Judge on November 9, 2023, after a distinguished legal career. Previously serving as Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, his notable judgments include granting interim bail in a caste-related case and ordering the clearance of a blocked national highway.
Justice Sanjay Karol was born on August 23, 1961, in Shimla and assumed office in the Supreme Court of India on February 6, 2023, retiring on August 22, 2026. He has authored 61 judgements and has held significant positions, including Chief Justice of Tripura and Patna High Courts. A Senior Advocate since 1999, he played crucial roles in reducing case pendency and served as Chancellor of law universities.
The Supreme Court, through Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, denied a 534-day delay in an appeal, stating litigants must oversee their cases instead of blaming their lawyers for delays. This ruling emphasized that responsibility cannot be solely placed on advocates, reinforcing the need for litigants to remain vigilant regarding their legal rights.
The Supreme Court on Friday(22nd Nov) has stayed the disqualification of six Chief Parliamentary Secretaries in Himachal Pradesh, reversing the High Court’s ruling that deemed their appointments unconstitutional. While no new appointments can be made, the matter is scheduled for further hearing in four weeks, responding to a challenge by BJP leader Kalpana Devi.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court ruled the appointment of six MLAs as Parliamentary Secretaries unconstitutional, declaring the related Act invalid and mandating the withdrawal of CPS roles and privileges. The state government plans to appeal to the Supreme Court, although relief is considered unlikely, as constitutional violations were identified.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court ruled that children born from invalid marriages must not be denied birth registration. Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua emphasized that these children have rights regardless of their parents’ marital status, reinforcing their legal identity and protection under the law. The court ordered authorities to update relevant records accordingly.
