SC Grants Partial Relief To CPS Against Himachal Pradesh HC’s Disqualification

Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly

The Supreme Court of India has recently offered partial relief in the legal battle surrounding the disqualification of Chief Parliamentary Secretaries in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.

This follows a Himachal Pradesh High Court order declaring the appointment of CPS unconstitutional under Section 3D of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Members (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1971.

The apex court upheld the disqualification of CPS members but allowed them to retain their Assembly membership. It also stayed the High Court’s ruling on Section 3D, enabling CPS appointees to hold their positions pending a final judgment.

Political Accusations Intensify

Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision and criticised the BJP for exploiting legal technicalities to destabilise the Congress-led state government. “The High Court’s ruling compared our laws to those in Assam and Manipur, where CPS were granted ministerial status. However, CPS in Himachal do not hold such status. This critical distinction was overlooked,” he argued.

Negi described the Supreme Court’s stay as a significant victory, stating it prevented immediate disqualification of CPS members. He also accused the BJP of orchestrating “Operation Lotus” — a term used to describe attempts to topple opposition governments using financial incentives and investigative agencies.

Negi added, “This isn’t just about CPS but democracy itself. Disqualifying elected representatives through retrospective laws sends a damaging message.”

Tourism Industry Relief

Shifting focus, Negi commented on a recent court decision allowing certain hotels in Himachal Pradesh to operate under regulated guidelines. Earlier rulings had ordered closures due to occupancy violations.

“Tourism is the backbone of our economy, and thousands of livelihoods depend on these hotels. This judgment supports both the industry and the people of Himachal,” he said, accusing the BJP of defaming the state instead of supporting its development.

Criticism of BJP and Corporate Ties

Negi also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging a disconnect between his public praise of Himachal’s culture and actions that harm its image. He linked the CPS issue to national controversies, including allegations of corruption against the Adani Group.

“While opposition leaders face constant investigations, the BJP shields individuals accused of bribery and money laundering. This double standard exposes their real priorities,” Negi stated.

Congress Achievements and Future Outlook

Highlighting the Congress government’s achievements, Negi pointed to the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) as a key success. “We restored OPS in our first cabinet meeting, fulfilling a major election promise. Even BJP leaders now admit it was the right move,” he said, accusing the opposition of spreading misinformation to mislead voters.

With the Supreme Court set to deliver a final verdict on CPS appointments, the Himachal Pradesh government remains confident in its legal stance.

However, the deepening divide between the Congress and BJP reflects the escalating battle for political dominance in the state.