In a significant development, the Himachal Pradesh government has averted the attachment of its prestigious Himachal Bhawan in New Delhi by depositing Rs 64 crore as upfront premium in the state High Court. The state government also submitted an application requesting the withdrawal of the earlier attachment order issued by the court.
The issue stems from a 2009 agreement when the state government allotted a 320 MW hydropower project in Lahaul-Spiti to Seli Hydropower Project Company. As per the terms, the government was to provide basic infrastructure to facilitate the project’s timely completion. However, the company alleged that the lack of these facilities delayed its work, forcing it to abandon the project. The company subsequently filed a writ petition in 2017, demanding the return of its upfront premium.
After hearing the case, Justice Ajay Mohan Goyal of the Himachal Pradesh High Court had ordered the government to refund Rs 64 crore along with 7 per cent interest. To ensure compliance, the Himachal Pradesh High Court directed the attachment of Himachal Bhawan in case of non-payment.
The dispute dates back to 2009 when the government had allotted a 320 MW hydropower project in Lahaul-Spiti to Seli Company. The company alleged that the lack of basic infrastructure delayed the project, forcing it to abandon the venture. In 2017, the company filed a writ petition seeking the return of its upfront premium. The High Court ruled in favor of the company, directing the government to refund the amount.
While the government has challenged the order by filing an LPA, the matter is scheduled for a hearing on December 6. The timely deposit has provided relief to the government, safeguarding its prized asset in the national capital.
Himachal Bhawan in Delhi saved from attachment as Sukhu govt deposits Rs 64 crore
