Himachal Pradesh Government on Monday withdrew its earlier Cabinet decision to cancel lease of land allotted to Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) for creating infrastructure in the State.
The decision of withdrawal of earlier order was taken at a State Cabinet meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Monday. The State Government’s latest decision came in the wake of Himachal Pradesh High Court order to maintain status quo ante on the properties of HPCA.
In an order dated November 5, the court had asked the State Government to restore status quo ante as on October 26, 2013 on the properties of the HPCA. On October 26, the State Government had cancelled the lease of HPCA properties and police was asked to take control of the properties including Dharamshala International Cricket stadium in a midnight action.
The Court had made serious observation saying that the orders of forcible dispossession is against law, constitutional guarantee and obligations of the state to its citizens, as a person is in settled possession of a premises, which cannot be dispossessed by an executive fiat, even though he can be stated as a trespasser.
The Court had also observed that the ownership of a building is distinct than the right in the grant of lease given by the State. The division bench had further said that the state can terminate the lease, but it is no basis for forcible dispossession, for which the Government has to seek appropriate remedy in law.
Incidentally, Monday (November 18) was the day to file reply by the State Government in the High Court regarding HPCA and hearing on the petition filed by HPCA will be held on November 28.
Monday’s Cabinet meet of the State Government continued for less than an hour and it appeared that the State Government only wanted to withdraw its earlier decision of cancellation of HPCA lease before filing its reply in the High Court.
later, CM Virbhadra Singh said in a function that the State Government was mulling to bring a sport bill in upcoming winter session of Himachal Pradesh Assembly. If the need arises, an ordinance could also be brought in this regard which would bring the sports bodies in the State under its control for greater transparency, he added.