The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the Secretary (Education), Government of Himachal Pradesh, to appear in person if the state fails to follow its earlier order on releasing funds for the construction of the Central University’s north campus in Dharamshala.
The direction was issued while hearing the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) Atul Bhardwaj vs. State of Himachal Pradesh & Others on July 22. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C Negi took note of a communication dated July 21, 2026, which was placed before the court.
The communication stated that a proposal seeking ₹3,003.94 lakh (₹30.04 crore) had been sent to the Planning Department. However, the Planning Department returned the proposal to the Secretary (Education) after raising certain queries. The department is currently working on addressing those queries.
The High Court noted that its June 2, 2026, order had still not been complied with and expressed displeasure over the delay.
The Bench said that if the required action was not completed by the next hearing, the Secretary (Education), Government of Himachal Pradesh, would be required to appear personally before the court.
The case has been scheduled for the next hearing on September 7, 2026.
Advocate Nitya Sharma, appearing for the petitioner through video conferencing, told the court that its earlier directions had not been followed. She submitted that the proposal for the release of funds was still pending with the Planning Department.
Additional Advocate General Gobind Korla represented the state government. The Union of India was represented by Deputy Solicitor General Balram Sharma, assisted by Advocate Rajeev Sharma.
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