Shimla, June 2: The Himachal Pradesh High Court has taken a stern view of the demolition of the historic gate of the US Club in Shimla and has initiated a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on its own motion. The court has issued notices to the State Government and the Shimla Municipal Corporation, seeking an explanation for the removal of the heritage structure during a road-widening exercise.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chander Negi described the demolition as a “drastic action” and directed the authorities to submit a detailed response. The matter has been listed for further hearing on July 29.
During the proceedings, the court observed that the iconic gate, located around 500 metres from the historic Ridge Maidan, was a significant heritage structure. Built of wood and stone and topped with a traditional slate roof, the gate was considered an important landmark of the city.
The bench remarked that if the structure had to be removed for road widening, efforts should have been made to preserve and restore its components. The court further suggested that authorities could have explored the possibility of reconstructing the gate in its original design and form.
The US Club and its historic entrance gate were constructed in 1844 and have long been associated with Shimla’s colonial-era heritage. The High Court took cognizance of media reports regarding the demolition and registered the matter as a PIL.
Notices have been issued to the Secretary of the Public Works Department and the Commissioner of the Shimla Municipal Corporation. The court has directed them to explain the circumstances and reasons behind the demolition and submit a comprehensive report.
