Himachal Govt to challenge HC verdict on encroachments

The state government informed the Vidhan Sabha on the sixth day of the ongoing winter session that nearly 1.24 lakh families across the state have been impacted by the High Court’s August ruling on the removal of illegal encroachments.

In a written response to a question raised by BJP MLA Jeet Ram Katoch, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi stated that the government has decided to challenge the HC order in the Supreme Court. He said the process to file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) is currently underway.

On August 5, 2025, the HC struck down Section 163 A of the HP Land Revenue Act, declaring it unconstitutional. The section had allowed for the regularisation of illegal encroachments on government land. Terming the provision a reward for “criminal trespass”, the court directed the state to remove all encroachments by February 28, 2026.

Government data shows that Kangra district has the highest number of affected families at 37,956, followed by Shimla with 22,092 and Mandi with 20,617.

Negi further told the House that since the matter is now sub judice before the Supreme Court, the government cannot frame any rehabilitation or relief policy at this stage.