HC allows sale of Himachal Bhawan in Delhi as govt fails to pay Rs 150 crore dues

North News

Shimla, November 19

 The Himachal Pradesh High Court has attached Himachal Bhawan, located in Delhi’s Mandi House, after the Congress-led state government failed to pay electricity dues amounting to nearly ₹150 crore.

The court has now authorized the company to auction Himachal Bhawan to recover the amount. Additionally, it directed the Principal Secretary of the Power Department to investigate the lapses and identify officials responsible for the financial mishandling, according to media reports.

The High Court had repeatedly warned the government about severe consequences if it failed to comply with repayment orders. With this development, the court has reinforced accountability in utilizing state treasury funds. The dues stem from a long-pending arbitration case linked to the 400 MW Seli Hydro Power Project on the Chenab River in Lahaul-Spiti. The project, awarded to Moser Baer, involved an upfront payment of ₹64 crore. When the project failed, arbitration ruled in favor of the company, ordering the state to refund the amount with 7% interest. The court upheld this ruling on January 13, 2023, but the government did not comply, allowing the dues to accumulate to ₹150 crore.