Himachal Govt moves Supreme Court against HP High Court stay on Palampur varsity land transfer

The state government has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Himachal Pradesh High Court’s stay on the transfer of 112 hectares belonging to Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University (HPAU), Palampur. The stay was granted after the Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University Teachers Association moved the High Court, opposing the proposed transfer of land for a tourism village project.

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The teachers argued that the land, which is part of the university campus, was meant solely for educational and research purposes and not for commercial use. The High Court has granted a stay on the project and the case. Meanwhile, the government approached the apex court to challenge this interim relief.

A member of the teachers association said three major projects, funded by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Government of India, were currently being conducted on the disputed land. “Transferring this land would mean an immediate stop to critical ongoing work,” he added.

The teachers argued that the land transfer would cripple the university’s future growth, leaving no land for new departments or student facilities. They warned that once transferred, the university land would be permanently lost to private parties, jeopardising academic progress and public investment.