Himachal Politics on the Edge as Supreme Court to Decide Fate of CPS Appointments
Himachal Pradesh’s political landscape is bracing for a significant upheaval as the Supreme Court prepares to hear a crucial case on November 22. At the center of this high-stakes legal battle is a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the Sukhu-led Congress government, challenging the Himachal Pradesh High Court’s decision to declare the appointment of six Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPS) unconstitutional.
The appointments of Congress MLAs Sunder Thakur, Ashish Butail, Mohanlal Brakta, Ram Kumar, Kishori Lal, and Sanjay Awasthi as CPS had stirred controversy, ultimately leading to the High Court’s November 13 ruling that these appointments violated constitutional provisions. Within hours of the judgment, the state government approached the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the verdict.
The government defends its decision, arguing that the appointments were made in good faith to strengthen administrative functions and were within the Chief Minister’s powers. However, if the apex court upholds the High Court’s ruling, the MLAs could lose their assembly membership, potentially shifting the power dynamics in the state legislature.
Legal experts predict a heated courtroom battle as senior advocates representing both the ruling Congress and opposition BJP present their arguments. The BJP has already filed a caveat, ensuring their voice is heard if the SLP is admitted. Their stance is clear: the CPS posts have no constitutional backing and risk setting a dangerous precedent. The opposition also criticizes the positions as unnecessary, leading to administrative redundancy and financial waste.
For the Sukhu government, securing a stay on the High Court’s decision is critical to maintaining political stability. While Congress’s majority in the assembly remains unaffected even if the CPS appointments are struck down, losing these MLAs could have symbolic and practical repercussions.
This legal showdown comes amid a backdrop of heightened political tensions. Earlier, the BJP had accused the Congress of engaging in unethical practices, including attempts to poach opposition MLAs—a claim that further strained relations between the two parties.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for both sides as the Supreme Court prepares to deliberate on the issue. A bench led by Chief Justice Sanjay Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar will hear the case, with the verdict likely to have far-reaching implications not just for the six MLAs but for the balance of power between the executive and judiciary.
If the Supreme Court grants a stay, the CPS appointments will remain intact, preserving the Congress government’s current structure. However, if the court sides with the High Court, it could set off a chain reaction, leading to disqualifications and reshuffling within the assembly.
Beyond the immediate legal and political ramifications, this case has captured the attention of political analysts nationwide. It is a litmus test for constitutional governance, political strategy, and the judicial system’s role in maintaining checks and balances.
As the hearing unfolds, all eyes will be on the Supreme Court’s decision—a judgment that could either stabilize the government’s footing or usher in a new era of political maneuvering in Himachal Pradesh.