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‘Can invite court intervention’: Himachal Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on move to ban drug peddlers from contesting panchayat polls

Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla declined to comment on the controversy surrounding remarks made on IAS/IPS officers from UP and Bihar.

3 min readShimlaJan 17, 2026 02:44 PM IST

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla interacting with media in Shimla on Saturday. (Express Photo)

Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Saturday expressed strong reservations over the state government’s decision to bar individuals allegedly involved in chitta (synthetic drug) peddling from contesting the upcoming Gram Panchayat elections, stating that such a move could invite judicial scrutiny.

Interacting with the media after attending the ‘At Home’ function organised by the Army on the occasion of Indian Army Day in Shimla, the Governor questioned the legal basis of the decision. “I do not understand whether this is the right decision. Courts are the competent authorities to decide who is eligible to contest Gram Panchayat elections. Such decisions by the state government invite intervention by the courts,” he said.

“During my efforts to curb the drug menace in the state, I invited representatives of Gram Panchayats to the Lok Bhavan (Governor House). The representatives conveyed that they decided to excommunicate all those people found involved in drug peddling in their respective Gram Panchayats. Let Gram Panchayats decide these issues on their own level,” Shukla added.

The state government had recently announced its intention to tighten eligibility norms for candidates contesting local body elections as part of its broader campaign against drug abuse, particularly the spread of chitta, which has emerged as a serious social and law-and-order concern in Himachal Pradesh over the past few years. The move was projected as a deterrent against the criminalisation of grassroots democratic institutions and aimed at preventing individuals with alleged links to drug trafficking from holding elected office.

However, the decision has triggered a legal and constitutional debate, with critics arguing that denying the right to contest elections without a conviction or disqualification prescribed under existing election laws could violate fundamental rights and established legal principles. Legal experts have pointed out that election eligibility is governed by statutory provisions and judicial precedents, and any executive decision beyond those parameters may not withstand judicial review.

The governor also declined to comment on the ongoing controversy surrounding IAS and IPS officers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, after minister Vikramaditya Singh alleged they were not working in the interest of “Himachaliat” or the ethos and interests of the state.

Maintaining restraint, the governor said that the issue falls within the domain of the elected government. “This question should be asked to the chief minister,” Shukla said, making it clear that he would not offer his personal views on the matter.

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The controversy has assumed significance amid Opposition criticism and public discourse over administrative functioning, inter-cadre issues, and the role of senior officers in the state’s governance framework. The state government, however, has maintained that administrative decisions are being taken in accordance with rules and institutional requirements.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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