Praveen Kumar v. the State of Hp and Another
Case brief
What is this about?
Himachal Pradesh High Court, Shimla; common disposal on 05.05.2026 of CWP Nos. 4622, 4330, 10403 & 10404 of 2025 challenging the Himachal Pradesh Recruitment & Conditions of Service of Government Employees Act, 2024 (Annexure P-9) as ultra vires the Constitution. Act already quashed with all consequential actions in CWP No. 3361 of 2025 (Devinder Kumar & Ors. v. State of H.P. & Ors., judgment dated 25.04.2026; paras 202–203 quoted); present petitions disposed in terms thereof; seniority/promotion/consequential benefit claims reserved for independent adjudication in CWP No. 5896 of 2023. Bench: Vivek Singh Thakur (author, oral) and Ranjan Sharma, JJ. Counsel: Onkar Jairath; Neeraj Sharma Sr. Adv. with Hemant Kumar Thakur and Vidush Chauhan; Ramakant Sharma AAG; Anup Rattan Sr. Adv. with Sandeep Dutta; Dilip Sharma Sr. Adv. with Manish Sharma; Salochna Rana.
What did the court decide?
All four petitions disposed of in terms of paras 202 and 203 of the judgment dated 25.04.2026 in CWP No. 3361 of 2025: the impugned Act stands quashed and set aside, all consequential actions/orders/rejections/directions based on the impugned Act are declared illegal, unconstitutional and nullified, and competent authorities are directed (per para 203) to ensure extension of benefits to employees in consonance with the judgments passed by competent Courts, latest by three months; rights in dispute in CWP No. 5896 of 2023 left open for independent adjudication; pending miscellaneous applications disposed of accordingly.