Sukhu Govt.  Repeatedly Facing Setbacks in High Court Over Unconstitutional Laws: Jairam

Shimla, August 28, 2026: Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur on Friday welcomed the Himachal Pradesh High Court’s decision to strike down legislation concerning the government’s intervention in the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor of an agricultural university, and criticised the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government over what he described as repeated judicial setbacks.

Thakur alleged that the Chief Minister, who often projects himself as a legal expert, had repeatedly taken decisions and introduced legislation that failed judicial scrutiny. He said the latest High Court ruling was another setback to the government’s attempts to exercise greater control over universities.

“Perhaps because the Chief Minister began his political career at a university, he has not been able to move beyond the university,” Thakur said, alleging that the government was attempting to run universities like government departments.

Thakur said the government’s legislation introduced in the Assembly did not withstand constitutional scrutiny despite the Chief Minister’s claims of being well educated and knowledgeable about law. He said the Opposition had repeatedly cautioned the government in the Assembly against introducing legislation that could fail judicial review.

He said such instances not only embarrassed the government but also affected the dignity and credibility of the state legislature.

Referring to previous instances, Thakur said legislation aimed at withdrawing pensions of former legislators had earlier been struck down by the High Court. He also claimed that the government’s attempt to curtail employees’ rights relating to promotions had been rejected by the judiciary.

He further alleged that the government had faced repeated judicial setbacks over matters related to Panchayat elections.

Thakur accused the government of failing to consider constitutional limitations and ethical norms while taking decisions. He said the Chief Minister should remain mindful of the dignity of his office and the stature of the Legislative Assembly.

“The government must understand that while legislation can be passed in the Assembly on the strength of a majority, no one is above the Constitution,” Thakur said.

Samagra Sikhsha