States » North


Himachal HC upholds six-year ban on Panchayati Raj representatives for false declarations

Shimla, Apr 18 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh High Court has upheld the constitutional validity of provisions under the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act that mandate a six-year disqualification for elected panchyat representatives removed on grounds of false declaration, dismissing a petition challenging the penalty as harsh and disproportionate.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Vivek Singh Thakur and Justice Ranjan Sharma rejected the plea of Basant Lal, a former Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Pangna in Mandi district, who had sought quashing of the Deputy Commissioner's order disqualifying him from contesting Panchayat elections for six years.
The petitioner had also challenged Section 146(2) of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, terming it arbitrary and violative of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.
More News

Four shooters of Prabh Dasuwal gang injured in police encounter

13 May 2026 | 9:49 PM

Chandigarh, May 13 (UNI) In a breakthrough against organized crime, the Tarn Taran police neutralized a module of the notorious Prabh Dasuwal gang following a fierce encounter in the border district. Four shooters associated with the gang were injured and subsequently apprehended during a high-stakes operation near Asal Uttar village under the Valtoha police station. The accused have been shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment while under heavy police guard.

see more..

JK: Army commander reviews LoC preparedness in North Kashmir

13 May 2026 | 8:43 PM

Srinagar, May 13 (UNI) Army’s Northern Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma today visited forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir to review summer operational strategy and review operational preparedness across the region.

see more..

Milk prices to rise by Rs 2 per litre in Punjab as Verka, Amul announce hike

13 May 2026 | 8:19 PM

Chandigarh, May 13 (UNI) Common households in Punjab are set to face additional financial pressure as major dairy brands, including Verka and Amul, announced a hike in milk prices by Rs 2 per litre.

see more..

Punjab to conduct local body polls via ballot papers; BJP alleges conspiracy

13 May 2026 | 7:39 PM

Chandigarh, May 13 (UNI) In a major procedural shift, the Punjab State Election Commission has decided to conduct the upcoming local body elections using ballot papers and ballot boxes instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

see more..

BJP moves Punjab Election Commission against use of ballot papers in local body polls

13 May 2026 | 7:14 PM

Chandigarh, May 13 (UNI) A high-level delegation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by state president Sunil Jakhar, met the Punjab State Election Commissioner on Wednesday to formally protest the government's decision to conduct upcoming local body elections using ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

see more..