Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh high court has taken serious note of construction activities in the immediate vicinity of the historic Ellerslie Building in Chhota Shimla, which currently houses the Himachal Pradesh secretariat. The court observed that the matter raises important concerns regarding heritage preservation, govt accountability, transparency in public administration, and the supremacy of law.The division bench comprising chief justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and justice Bipin Chander Negi was hearing a public interest litigation on Monday registered on the basis of a representation submitted by Captain Atul Sharma. The court has put the state govt on notice to file its response by Sept 21. Considering the gravity of the matter, the court appointed senior advocate Devyani Sharma as amicus curiae to independently examine the issue and assist the court.According to the petitioner, newly constructed concrete structures have physically overlapped the heritage building and overshadowed the historic structure. Information regarding the construction and alterations adjoining the Ellerslie Building had been sought under the Right to Information Act, 2005, along with records of the competent Heritage Cabinet Sub-Committee.The court noted that while information relating to approvals and sanctions had been provided to the petitioner, records indicated that mandatory set-back regulations had not been adhered to. It said the issue involves critical questions concerning transparency in public administration, preservation of heritage and the supremacy of law over arbitrary actions.The representation sought the constitution of an independent, high-level committee comprising heritage conservation experts, structural engineers and senior administrative officers. The committee has been proposed to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the site and submit a time-bound report.The petitioner has also sought fixing of personal accountability on officials responsible for permitting, facilitating, overlooking or failing to prevent the alleged illegal encroachment. He has also sought appropriate disciplinary, civil and criminal proceedings against those found responsible.The petitioner has also sought that personal accountability be fixed on officials responsible for permitting, facilitating, overlooking or failing to prevent the alleged illegal encroachment. Appropriate disciplinary, civil and criminal proceedings against those found responsible have also been sought.
