New Delhi/Shimla
In a significant interim relief, the Supreme Court on Monday stayed the operation of the Himachal Pradesh High Court’s directions ordering registration of FIRs and constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) against the petitioners in a public interest litigation (PIL). At the same time, the apex court directed the Himachal Pradesh Government to immediately implement the High Court’s directions regarding the transfer of the petitioners to ensure a fair inquiry into the matter.
The order was passed by a Bench comprising the Chief Justice of India, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana while hearing two Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) arising out of the Himachal Pradesh High Court’s judgment dated June 24, 2026, in CWPIL No. 53 of 2025. The petitions have been filed by Anurag Chander Sharma and another petitioner challenging the High Court’s directions.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court granted permission to file the Special Leave Petitions and accepted an oral request made by the petitioners’ counsel to delete the Himachal Pradesh High Court through its Registrar General from the array of respondents. The Bench directed that the cause title be amended accordingly.
Issuing notice in the matter, the apex court fixed August 10, 2026, as the next date of hearing. Pending further consideration, the court stayed the High Court’s directions insofar as they related to registration of FIRs against the petitioners and the constitution of an SIT.
However, the Supreme Court made it clear that its interim protection would not affect the administrative directions issued by the High Court. Stressing the need for an impartial inquiry, the Bench specifically directed the Himachal Pradesh Government to comply with the transfer orders concerning the petitioners “immediately, without any delay.”
The matter will now be taken up again on August 10, when the respondents are expected to file their response and the Supreme Court will consider the case further.
