Himachal HC takes note of attempts to spoil Shimla’s communal harmony through name posters outside shops
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Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh High Court has taken cognisance of recent incidents aimed at disrupting communal harmony in the state, particularly related to the controversial practice of placing name posters outside shops in Shimla. Through the posters, the aim was to know the religion of the shop owner.
The high court has issued notices to the state’s Home Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), Superintendent of Police (Shimla) and the Shimla Municipal Corporation. The case revolves around a public interest litigation (PIL) which alleges that certain statements and actions are exacerbating religious tensions.
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The PIL names prominent figures such as Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh and the Devbhoomi Jagran Manch as respondents. It accuses them of making inflammatory remarks that could vitiate communal peace.
The petitioner argued before the division bench, consisting of Acting Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Satyen Vaidya, that individuals in constitutional positions were allegedly undermining the state’s brotherhood by making irresponsible statements.
The PIL also highlights the rise in inflammatory social media posts by certain organisations, which the petitioner claims were fostering animosity between different religions.
Citing examples of similar actions in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the petition points out that the Supreme Court has ruled against mandatory name displays outside food shops, stating that shopkeepers should have the choice. The petition argues that such directives in Himachal Pradesh are jeopardising the state’s social fabric and law and order.
The high court has scheduled the next hearing for three weeks later, signalling a critical legal intervention as communal tensions simmer.
