Himachal ex-deputy advocate general booked for defamation

Shimla Police on Friday registered a defamation case against former Himachal deputy advocate general, Vinay Sharma, following a complaint by former state chief secretary Sanjay Gupta. On May 30, Gupta lodged a police complaint, accusing Sharma of making false allegations of corruption, abuse of office, benami property holdings, illegal use of funds and administrative interference, and described the claims as malicious and intended to damage his reputation.

After the complaint, an FIR was filed against Sharma under BNS sections 248 (fabricated or baseless criminal charges with the explicit intent to injure or harass someone), 351 (Criminal Intimidation) and 356(2) (criminal defamation), police said on Friday.

Gupta, who retired as chief secretary on May 31 and took charge as Chairperson of the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) on June 3, 2026, had in his complaint filed at Chhota Shimla Police Station said Sharma’s complaint on March 24, 2026, was not supported by facts, legal provisions or documentary evidence. He alleged that the purpose of the complaint was not only to tarnish his personal image but also to undermine the dignity of the state’s highest administrative office. Pointing out irregularities in the Chester Hill project in the Solan district, Sharma had raised questions regarding a land transaction and alleged misuse of official position.