Shimla, June 5
A FIR has been registered at Shimla East Police Station against former Himachal Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HP RERA) Chairman Shrikant Baldi (Retd. IAS) and former Deputy Advocate General Vinay Sharma following a complaint filed by former Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, IAS.
According to the FIR, registered under Sections 248, 351, and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, Gupta alleged that Baldi issued a press statement containing “false, malicious and defamatory allegations” that harmed his reputation and credibility as the state’s top bureaucrat.
The complaint claims that Baldi publicly accused Gupta of passing “illegal orders,” acting “without jurisdiction,” abusing official authority, and favouring proponents of the controversial Chester Hills project. Gupta has termed these allegations baseless, asserting that all decisions taken during his tenure were made strictly in accordance with law and established administrative procedures.
A significant portion of the complaint focuses on Baldi’s reported statement questioning Gupta’s integrity during his service career. Gupta contended that the remarks were intended to lower his public standing, undermine confidence in his office, and interfere with the discharge of his official duties.
The FIR further states that the publication and circulation of the statements through print, electronic and social media platforms caused widespread reputational harm and created public suspicion regarding the integrity of a serving Chief Secretary.
Police records show that the case was registered on May 30, 2026, at Shimla East Police Station, and an investigation has been entrusted to an Assistant Sub-Inspector.
The matter is likely to attract significant attention in Himachal Pradesh’s political and administrative circles, given the high-profile individuals involved and the legal questions surrounding public criticism of senior government officials and allegations linked to administrative decisions.
