Shimla: Even after five months, the Himachal Pradesh RERA Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) remains without a chairperson, as the state government has not notified the appointment of its chief and members, despite the selection process having been completed.
Taking serious note of the prolonged delay, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has sought an affidavit from the state government explaining the “specific reason” for withholding the recommendations of the selection committee.
The division bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma, on May 9, directed the government to file the affidavit by May 15, citing public interest. The court observed: “Keeping in view the larger public interest, if the appointment has not been notified, affidavit be filed as to why it has not been done and what is the specific reason that the state has withheld the recommendations of the selection committee.”
The directive came while hearing a petition filed by Atul Sharma, challenging the extension granted to Prabodh Saxena, Chief Secretary of the state, alleging it violated Central Services Rules and DoPT guidelines. The petition pointed out that vigilance clearance was wrongly granted to Saxena, despite a chargesheet under the Prevention of Corruption Act having been filed against him.
Saxena was reportedly a contender for the RERA chairperson’s post, which has been vacant since December 2024, following the retirement of Shrikant Baldi. According to sources, the selection committee—comprising the Chief Justice of HP High Court (as Chair), Secretary (Urban Development), and Secretary (Law)—had raised objections to Saxena’s candidature due to the pending corruption case.
It was also contended that both the positions of Chief Secretary and RERA Chairperson are sensitive, and DoPT guidelines mandate strict scrutiny before granting extensions or appointments to such posts
Legendofficers Follow us to stay informed, not just updated.
Join Us on WhatsApp