Shimla, May 16 (UNI) Making strong remarks against the government, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the state government to vacate Bungalow No. 3 at Harrington Estate, Shimla, meant exclusively for high court judges, and hand over its keys to the court within ten days.

The court was informed via affidavit that the bungalow is currently occupied by PC Gupta, additional director, Department of Environment, Science and Technology and chief engineer of the State Pollution Control Board. Orders have been issued to vacate the house.

The division bench of Chief Justice M. Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma had earlier expressed displeasure, questioning how a residence reserved for judges was allotted to a journalist.

The bungalow, part of six units earmarked for judges at Harrington Estate, was first allotted to Gupta's wife, Rachna Gupta, a journalist and former member of the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC).

The matter has been listed for further hearing on May 28, as the court examines not just the misuse of accommodation but the systemic failures that enabled it.

UNI ML ARN PRS