Defamation Allegations Spark FIR Against Former HP RERA Chairman and Ex-DAG

Shimla, June 5: A high-profile legal dispute has surfaced in Himachal Pradesh after Shimla East Police registered an FIR against former Himachal Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HP RERA) Chairman Shrikant Baldi (Retd. IAS) and former Deputy Advocate General Vinay Sharma on a complaint filed by former Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, IAS.

The FIR, registered under Sections 248, 351 and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), stems from alleged defamatory statements made in connection with the controversial Chester Hills matter.

In his complaint, Gupta alleged that public statements issued by Baldi accused him of acting beyond his authority, passing illegal orders and favouring private interests during his tenure as Chief Secretary. Gupta has rejected the allegations, maintaining that all administrative decisions were taken strictly in accordance with legal and procedural norms.

The complaint further states that the remarks questioned his professional integrity and were circulated through various media platforms, allegedly causing reputational damage and casting doubts on the functioning of a senior constitutional office.

Police sources confirmed that the case was registered at Shimla East Police Station and has been taken up for investigation. Officials said evidence related to the statements and their circulation is being examined as part of the probe.

The development has triggered significant interest within political and bureaucratic circles, as it involves two senior former public functionaries and touches upon issues of accountability, freedom of expression and the limits of public criticism in matters of governance.