Himachal HC sets up Chief Justice Disaster Relief Fund 2025, calls it a ‘call of conscience’

Rising above verdicts, judicial pronouncements and formal directions, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has stepped directly into the relief effort for families devastated by unprecedented rains, landslides and cloudbursts in the hill state. The High Court has established a dedicated “Chief Justice Disaster Relief Fund 2025” and appealed for voluntary contributions — not just from institutions but also from individuals across the judicial and legal fraternity — to help those “struggling to rebuild their lives”.

The initiative draws strength from the Legal Services Authorities Act, with Justice Surya Kant, as Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority, guiding the framework. The competent authorities, under his vision, will carry the relief effort forward, reaching out to the needy and identifying those most in distress. The officers belonging to the legal services officers have, in fact, been asked to identify the worst-hit areas and families for cash and material aid, including clothes and utensils.

The circular issued on behalf of Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia by the HC Registrar-General has set the tone in carefully chosen words: “This is not just a request; it is a call of conscience. Let us open our hearts and extend our helping hands to those who are struggling to rebuild their lives. Every single contribution small or large will be a step towards restoring hope and dignity for thousands who have lost everything.”

The initiative follows the September 4 order by the Principal Division Bench during the hearing of a petition filed in public interest against the Union of India and others respondents. Among other things, the Bench comprising Chief Justice Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma observed that the High Court was in the process of collecting relief funds on the same pattern as in 2023, when extremely bad weather had affected the general public, damaged infrastructure and rendered many homeless.

In compliance with the directions and to channelise the contributions, Chief Justice Sandhawalia has set up a dedicated relief fund with a savings account at UCO Bank, High Court Complex, Shimla. The account – Chief Justice Disaster Relief Fund 2025 – bears Account No. 18330110060070 with IFSC Code UCBA0001833. For the ease of contributors, UCO Bank has also generated a QR code to enable direct transfers.

The Registrar (Accounts) of the High Court has been appointed Nodal Officer for the receipt of contributions. Disbursement will be made through the Member-Secretary, State Legal Services Authority, to Secretaries of District Legal Services Authorities in every district. These officers have been directed to identify the worst-affected areas and families. Both cash and material contributions such as clothes and utensils may be deposited with the Registrar (Accounts), who will notify details.

The circular further directs all District Legal Services Authorities to identify specific spots for relief distribution, and to mobilise para legal volunteers and panel lawyers for the exercise. The relief work will be coordinated under Justice Vivek Singh Thakur – the senior-most judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, presently heading the State Legal Services Authority as its Executive Chairman.

The appeal has been extended across the entire judicial and legal establishment in Himachal Pradesh. Judges of the High Court, the Advocate-General, Registrars, District and Sessions Judges, Chairpersons of District Legal Services Authorities, the Law Secretary, Member-Secretary of the State Legal Services Authority, the Director of the Judicial Academy, the Bar Council of Himachal Pradesh, presidents of the High Court and district/sub-divisional Bar associations, the Deputy Solicitor-General of India, judicial officers, officials of the High Court Registry as well as the District Judiciary have all been requested to contribute.