Town Hall legitimate seat of SMC: Chief Secy to HC

Legal Correspondent

Shimla, October 4

Town Hall is the legitimate seat of the Municipal Corporation, Shimla. This was stated by the Chief Secretary through his recent affidavit filed before the High Court.

The Chief Secretary further informed the court that after the completion of the restoration work, the possession of Town Hall was required to be handed over to the SMC, it being the principal owners of the property.

He had filed the affidavit in compliance with the directions issued by the court with regard to proper use of the building after its restoration. The case was listed before a division bench comprising acting Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Sandeep Sharma and during the course of hearing, the counsel had informed the court that the MC had also filed an application for seeking possession of Town Hall.

After hearing the matter, the court had deferred the hearing for October 25. The court had passed this order on a PIL petition regarding the beautification of Shimla.

In his affidavit, the Chief Secretary further informed the court that keeping in view the concerns expressed by the court, the MC would be advised to re-allot the offices of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and the Commissioner into Town Hall as also its meeting rooms. It was further mentioned in the affidavit that rest of the space would be utilised by the MC for a public purpose which could include a virtual reality space showcasing the natural, cultural and social kaleidoscope of the state and a cafeteria.

Passing this order, the court had observed: “We are of the considered view that a decision must be taken with regard to proper use of the building after its restoration. Perhaps it can be used for housing a library and other public conveniences, rather than leaving it at the mercy of the “Babus” for nailing the restored wooden panels and work of art only for the purposes of hanging calendars or pasting these all over the walls.”