Senior Advocate Jiya Lal Bhardwaj, hailing from Jayanagar (Nalagarh) in Solan district, and Senior Advocate Romesh Verma, from Seri (Dhami) in Shimla district, have been appointed as Judges of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.

Following the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium, the Central Government has issued the official notification regarding their appointment.

Born on 20 August 1969, Senior Advocate Jiya Lal Bhardwaj began his legal practice in 1994 in the chamber of Senior Advocate Arun Kumar Goel, who later served as a Judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court and subsequently as the president of the State Consumer Commission.

Senior Advocate Romesh Verma, born on 7 May 1974, started his legal practice in 1999 under the guidance of his father Senior Advocate Ghanshyam Dass Verma.

Both have been practicing before the Himachal Pradesh High Court for a long period and possess expertise across all branches of law.

With their appointment, the total strength of Judges in the High Court, including the Chief Justice, will rise to 13. The two newly appointed Judges are expected to take oath of office and secrecy next week.

The Centre has selected Ludhiana, Shimla and six other cities to develop integrated state and city logistics plans. The initiative aims at enhancing operational efficiency and creating a future-ready and globally competitive logistics ecosystem in India.

Anchored by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the programme aligns with the government’s commitment to modernising logistics infrastructure and streamlining supply chains nationwide. The other selected cities are Jaipur, Indore, Patna, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar and Guwahati.

The planning exercise will assess existing logistics infrastructure, identify gaps and provide a roadmap for improving efficiency and reducing costs. The ministry stated that such plans would be replicated across the country to ensure smoother movement of goods, enhanced competitiveness and stronger supply chain resilience.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing technical assistance under its strengthening multimodal and integrated logistics ecosystem programme.

The initiative focuses on streamlining freight movement and enhancing supply chain efficiency by harmonising state-level logistics and connecting growth hubs with trunk routes. At the city level, the focus is on urban freight and last-mile delivery, aligning with broader city mobility goals.

The DPIIT emphasised that integrating state and city logistics was critical because inefficiencies in one component could create bottlenecks across the entire supply chain. The programme fosters collaboration between the Centre, state governments and the private sector to ensure local priorities align with national strategies.

At the city level, the focus is on optimising urban and peri-urban freight movement, driven by demand from local retailers and e-commerce. Key infrastructure improvements include urban roads, truck terminals and last-mile connectivity.

The plans will also address freight routes, congestion points and restricted zones, supported by relevant urban policies and institutional mechanisms.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the initiative, promoting low- and zero-emission vehicles for last-mile delivery, establishing low-emission zones and implementing noise reduction measures.

The programme also emphasises digital transformation through process automation and data-driven decision-making to enhance efficiency.

The state government yesterday notified the Himachal Pradesh Rural Street Vendors Model Bylaws, 2025, to regulate rural street vendors and local markets and enable gram panchayats to perform their functions properly.

The Department of Panchayati Raj notified the bylaws, which would help the gram panchayats in identifying and declaring vending zones that had a reasonably good footfall and ample open space.

The bylaws clearly specify that preference would be given to bona fide residents of Himachal while issuing a licence after police verification.

The vendors bylaws would help regulate vendors, especially the mobile ones in rural areas. The state government had notified the vendors’ bylaws for urban areas earlier.

In recent years, there has been a major spurt in mobile vendors, especially those from other states, visiting rural areas to sell their products. This, at times, led to major communal tensions, forcing the government to frame bylaws.

On August 1, the Panchayati Raj Department had notified the bylaws and invited objections and suggestions. Since no objection was received, the department today finally notified the Himachal Pradesh Rural Street Vendors Model Bylaws, 2025.

Any person, who has competed the age of 18 years, can apply for a vending licence to the gram panchayat concerned along with a one-time registration fee.

The vending licence will be issued under two categories — stationary vendor or mobile vendor and will be valid for one year.

The Director, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, will fix the vending fee from time to time.

There is a provision in the bylaws that empowers the gram panchayats to impose a penalty of up to Rs 1,000 on any person who indulges in vending activity without a licence. The penalty is extendable up to Rs per day in case of continuing breach but should not exceed Rs 5,000 per day.

A gram panchayat by a resolution passed in the general or special meeting shall declare natural markets, where buyers and sellers have traditionally congregated for the sale and purchase of products or services.

There is also a provision in the bylaws that specifies that a vendor will vacate the place mentioned in the vending licence after it lapses and if he does not adhere to the rule, his goods can be seized.

The Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Civil concerned will deal with all disputes and grievances of any rural vendor.

An FIR has been filed on the complaint of Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) chairman Sanjay Gupta against five individuals for causing a loss of Rs 11.84 crore to the electricity board in 2012.

The three accused named in the FIR are the now retired HPSEBL officials, and the remaining two are the then directors of Gilvert Ispat Private Limited.

As per the FIR, special and undue advantage was given to the Barotiwala-based company, resulting in a loss of Rs 11.84 crore to the electricity board.

In his complaint, Gupta has alleged that the then chairman-cum-managing director of HPSEBL approved power reconnection to the firm without recovering outstanding dues from the firm in violation of the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission’s supply code.

In a major move to curb rising drug abuse among the youth, the state’s Directorate of Higher Education has directed all government, Sanskrit and private colleges in the state to implement a mandatory student undertaking on drug abuse at the time of admission.

As per an official order issued by the Director of Higher Education to all principals of government and private colleges in the state, he directed the principals to ensure that at the time of admission, each student is required to submit a signed undertaking declaring their awareness of the consequences of drug abuse and committing to remain drug-free.

The step came after DGP Ashok Tewari, in a letter, had requested the Secretary (Education) to immediately issue necessary directions to all educational institutions, including private schools, colleges, and professional/technical institutes to ensure that at the time of admission, each student is required to submit a signed undertaking declaring their awareness of the consequences of drug abuse and committing to remain drug- free.

The DGP had also suggested to encourage the students to take pledge against drugs on Government of India website http:// pledge. Mygov.in/fight against drug abuse. “After the pledge, students may download their certificate from the website.

The purpose of this measure is not punitive, but to foster individual accountability, psychological deterrence and institutional responsibility in combating drug abuse from the grassroots level,” mentioned the DGP in the letter.

Expressing concern over the state of drug abuse in the state, the DGP had mentioned that Himachal Pradesh is currently confronting menace of trafficking and abuse of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances accompanied by illegal cultivation of cannabis and opium crops in various parts of the state.

“Of utmost concern is the fact that a significant portion of the affected population comprises the youth, including school-going children and college students, making this not only a law enforcement issue, but a societal emergency that threatens the future of an entire generation,” mentioned the DGP.

The Ramleela celebrations in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district took a tragic turn when senior stage artist Amrish Kumar collapsed and passed away during a live performance on Tuesday evening.

Kumar, a prominent figure in local theatre, suffered a fatal heart attack while portraying Dashrath, the father of Lord Ram.

The incident occurred as Kumar began delivering his lines on stage. Video shows him suddenly stumbling and he fell, prompting immediate confusion and concern among the audience and other performers.

Organisers quickly brought down the curtains, halting the performance and rushing Kumar to a nearby hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.

A native of Chamba, Amrish Kumar had been a pillar of the Ramleela tradition for over five decades, captivating audiences year after year with his powerful portrayals of characters like Dashrath and Ravana. His performances were a major draw, often attracting large crowds from across the region.

“This is an irreparable loss,” Sudesh Mahajan told ANI, a member of the Ramleela Club.

“Amrish ji was not just an artist, he was the very soul of Ramleela in Chamba. His dedication and passion inspired generations. May his soul rest in peace, and may God give strength to his family during this difficult time.”

In light of the tragedy, the Ramleela Club has suspended all scheduled performances for the coming days.

Efforts to make construction norms more stringent, especially in view of recent natural disasters, are being met with opposition.

Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) councillors are vehemently opposing restricting construction below the road level on the valley side in the state capital.

Over 12 councillors registered their objections to the notification at a public hearing held before the Director, Town and Country Planning Department, here yesterday.

It was on June 7, 2025, that the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department had issued a notification restricting all constructions on the valley side one metre below the road in hilly areas along all identified national highways, state highways and within the Shimla MC jurisdiction.

The government had issued the notification to ensure that the view on the valley side did not get obstructed. As per the earlier building norms, construction on the valley side had been restricted to 1.5 metre above the road level.

Notwithstanding the collapse of and damage to many buildings in the state, people in general are opposed to stringent building norms and are opposing this notification also.

Besides the councillors, several individuals also lodged their opposition to the notification. The TCP Department would forward all objections and suggestions to the state government, which would take the final call.

A majority of them said that restricting construction along national and state highways was understandable, as it spoiled the valley view but it was impractical within the city.

The councillors claimed that the move would cause losses to land and building owners, who had purchased land within the Shimla MC limits at very high prices.

They argued that there were hundreds of small and big roads in the Shimla MC jurisdiction and it would not be practical to restrict all constructions one metre below the road on the valley side.

The draft rules have been termed as the Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning (Fifteenth Amendment) Rules, 2025.

These rules have come into effect from the date of publication in the e-Gazette. These rules shall be applicable to all hilly areas of the state that have been notified as planning/special areas under the statutory provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1977. All areas that are 600 metres above sea level and have an average slope of 30 degrees shall fall in the category of hilly areas.

The state government is making building norms more stringent to ensure that the house owners adopt safe construction practices to minimise damage, especially during natural disasters like cloudbursts, landslides and flashfloods. The last three monsoon seasons have seen a spurt in such catastrophes, highlighting the need for safe construction in accordance with the building norms.

Decision will cause losses to landowners

The state government has issued the notification to ensure that the view on the valley side does not get obstructed

As per the earlier building norms, construction on the valley side had been restricted to 1.5 metre above the road level

The councillors claim that the move will cause losses to land and building owners, who have purchased land within the Shimla Municipal Corporation limits at very high prices

The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Tuesday converted the death sentence awarded to two accused into life imprisonment in the four-year-old boy Yug murder case, while acquitting the third of all charges.

While passing this judgment, a special division Bench comprising Justice Vivek Singh Thakur and Justice Rakesh Kainthla observed that “the appeal filed by accused Tejinder Pal Singh is allowed and he is acquitted of the charged offences, whereas the appeals filed by Chander Sharma and Vikrant Bakshi are partly allowed and they are acquitted of the commission of offences punishable under Sections 347 and 364A of the IPC, and the sentence of death imposed upon them by the Trial Court is ordered to be converted to life imprisonment, which will mean the natural life until their last breath.”

Converting the death sentence into life imprisonment, the Bench observed that “we have analysed the circumstances of the case and the reports submitted by the state regarding the behaviour of the accused in custody. The material on record does not show that the accused cannot be reformed; hence, we are unable to confirm the death penalty imposed by the Trial Court despite our indignation towards the crime, and the same is reduced to life imprisonment, which will mean the natural life of the convicts until their last breath.”

Rejecting the contentions of the state counsel that the convict had brutally killed a young boy, the court observed that “this submission is not based on the material on record. The evidence is silent as to what transpired after Yug was found missing.

We have proceeded based on the last seen theory and other circumstances because there is no evidence regarding the events, which had happened between the day when Yug was found missing and his bones were found in the tank at Keleston; therefore, it is very difficult for us to proceed on the assumption that the convict had treated Yug with brutality, justifying the imposition of the extreme penalty of death.”

Abducted from the busy Ram Bazaar area in the heart of the town on June 14, 2014, Yug was killed on June 21, 2014, even before the first ransom demand was made.

On June 14, 2014, Yug’s father, Vinod Gupta, filed a missing person’s complaint at the Sadar police station. A criminal case was registered on June 16, while a letter carrying a demand for Rs 3.6 crore ransom was received on June 27, 2014. Three more ransom letters were received subsequently. The case was transferred to the state CID on August 14, 2014.

Preliminary investigation had suggested that the victim was tortured, starved, and forcibly served liquor before being thrown alive into a water tank tied to a rock.

On January 29, 2016, some MC employees found the skeleton while cleaning the tank after a jaundice outbreak, but threw it away without alerting the police, presuming it to be that of an animal.

The Sessions Court, Shimla, after concluding the trial, had convicted all three accused, Chander, Tajender, and Vikrant Bakshi, and awarded the death sentence in September 2018.

Since the death sentence was imposed, therefore, a reference was made to the High Court for confirmation. While answering the death reference, the High Court held that “the death reference received from the Trial Court is answered by holding that the accused does not deserve the death sentence in the present case.”

The state government has amended the Himachal Pradesh Aero Sports Rules, 2022, to make norms for adventure sports more stringent and safe, especially for those who take a joy ride with a professionally-trained pilot.

The Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation had issued a notification on September 20 to seek suggestions and objections to the amendment within 30 days. These amended rules will be called the Himachal Pradesh Aero Sports (Amendment) Rules, 2025. The amendment has been made in the clause j of sub rule (3) of Rule 5 of the Himachal Pradesh Aero Sports Rules, 2022.

As per the amendment, the pilots undertaking tandem flights will have to complete simulation during the flights paragliding safety course. Pilots will now have to complete this course before seeking a tandem licence.

The pilots already registered with the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation have been given time to complete the simulation safety training course for paragliding by August 31, 2026.

The Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation had issued a notification on September 20 to seek suggestions and objections to the amendment within 30 days.

These amended rules will be called the Himachal Pradesh Aero Sports (Amendment) Rules, 2025. The amendment has been made in the clause j of sub rule (3) of Rule 5 of the Himachal Pradesh Aero Sports Rules, 2022.

As per the amendment, the pilots undertaking tandem flights will have to complete simulation during the flights paragliding safety course.

Pilots will now have to complete this course before seeking a tandem licence. The pilots already registered with the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation have been given time to complete the simulation safety training course for paragliding by August 31, 2026.

Aero sports, especially paragliding, are a big attraction, particularly for tourists in Himachal. Paragliding is being undertaken at various places like Bir-Billing near Baijnath in Kangra, in Kullu and Manali and several other locations. However, several people have lost their lives in various mishaps.

The amendment is aimed at making safety norms more stringent and the safety course mandatory for pilots, who are undertaking tandem flights, where a person takes a flight in a paraglider with a trained professional pilot.

As per the Himachal Pradesh Aero Sports Rules, 2022, a person can undertake aero sports only after registration with the Tourism Department. It is after approval from the technical committee regarding proper training and safety of the equipment being used that a person is issued a licence.

However, there have bene instances where people, who are not registered with the Tourism Department, have been found to be undertaking aero sports. Though at times even trained pilots meet with mishaps, the greater problem is when there are accidents during tandem flights.

There have been several mishaps, especially in Kullu where tourists enjoying a tandem flight with a trained pilot have died in accidents. The amendment is basically aimed at averting such mishaps by way of proper safety training for pilots, who are undertaking aero sports as a commercial activity for tourists.

Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh tied the knot with Amreen Sekhon in an elegant wedding ceremony held in Chandigarh.

The Anand Karaj ceremony took place at a gurdwara in Sector 11, which was attended only by close relatives.

Vikramaditya was dressed in a pastel pink sherwani, paired with a bright orange and pink turban. He carried a traditional kalgi and a ceremonial sword, adding a royal touch reminiscent of his lineage.

Amreen wore a heavily embroidered peach-toned lehenga. Golden bridal kalire dangled from her hands, completing her traditional look.

Following the event, Singh expressed his gratitude to well-wishers, saying he felt “blessed” by the outpouring of love and blessings from across the country.

“This marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life,” Singh said, thanking everyone for their support and warm wishes.

When asked whether the newlyweds had made any promises or commitments to each other, Singh blushed and smiled, choosing not to elaborate. His bride, Amreen Sekhon, stood beside him, her face partially covered with a traditional ‘ghoonghat’, adding a touch of cultural grace to the moment.

On the political front, Vikramaditya Singh acknowledged the challenging situation in Himachal Pradesh following recent floods. He said the situation remains difficult, but assured that the government is working diligently to restore normalcy and get things back on track.

The bride, Amreen Sekhon, is from a Sikh family and highly accomplished academic. She holds dual Master’s degrees in English and Psychology, a PhD in Psychology, and has also undertaken studies at Harvard University. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor at Panjab University. Amreen is the daughter of Sardar Jotinder Singh Sekhon and Opinder Kaur.

This is not the first instance of the Rampur-Bushahr royal family forming ties with Sikh families. Vikramaditya’s sister, Aparajita Singh, is married into Punjab’s former Patiala royal family as the wife of Angad Singh, grandson of Captain Amarinder Singh, the former Punjab Chief Minister and titular Maharaja of Patiala.

Their engagement and wedding, held in New Delhi a few years ago, were attended by political and royal elites, including Virbhadra Singh and Amarinder Singh—both Congress stalwarts and longtime allies—representing two of North India’s most influential royal-political dynasties.

Vikramaditya Singh, a two-time MLA from Shimla Rural, currently serves as Himachal Pradesh’s Cabinet Minister for Public Works and Urban Development.