HP High Court Questions Shifting Of RERA Office From Shimla To Dharamshala, Continues Interim Restraint

The Himachal Pradesh High Court admitted a petition challenging the State Government’s decision to shift the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) office from Shimla to Dharamshala and indicated that the interim order restraining the move would continue.

The Court observed that RERA is a small statutory body with limited manpower and shifting it would create practical difficulties for developers and stakeholders.

It noted that nearly 80% of RERA-registered projects are located in Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur districts, while Kangra has a much smaller share.

While the State defended the move as an administrative decision aimed at decongesting Shimla and promoting development in Kangra, the Court found the concerns raised by the petitioner substantial and kept the interim protection in force.

[Naresh Sharma v. UOI & Ors.]