📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Sumita Roy Dutta
Politics
Himachal Pradesh High Court probes 187 Section-118 approvals to non‑farmers
✍️ The Tribune
🗓 18 Oct 2026, 10:31 PM
👁 17
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has questioned the state government's issuance of 187 approvals to non‑agriculturists under Section 118, seeking clarification on the legality of the grants.
Shimla, Oct 18 (The Tribune) – The Himachal Pradesh High Court has formally asked the state government to explain why 187 approvals were granted to individuals who are not classified as agriculturists under Section 118. The bench highlighted that the approvals appear to contravene the intended purpose of the provision, which is meant for agricultural land holders.
The court's questioning comes amid growing concerns over the transparency of land‑related clearances in the state. Officials were instructed to submit detailed records of each approval, including the criteria used to deem the beneficiaries as non‑agriculturists.
Legal experts note that Section 118 is a key clause in the state's land‑reform framework, and any deviation from its stipulated eligibility could invite further judicial scrutiny. The High Court has set a deadline for the government’s response, signalling that the matter will be closely monitored in subsequent hearings.
The outcome of this inquiry could have implications for future land‑allocation policies, especially in regions where agricultural land is scarce and demand for alternative uses is rising.
The court will reconvene after receiving the government's submission to determine whether corrective action is required.
The court's questioning comes amid growing concerns over the transparency of land‑related clearances in the state. Officials were instructed to submit detailed records of each approval, including the criteria used to deem the beneficiaries as non‑agriculturists.
Legal experts note that Section 118 is a key clause in the state's land‑reform framework, and any deviation from its stipulated eligibility could invite further judicial scrutiny. The High Court has set a deadline for the government’s response, signalling that the matter will be closely monitored in subsequent hearings.
The outcome of this inquiry could have implications for future land‑allocation policies, especially in regions where agricultural land is scarce and demand for alternative uses is rising.
The court will reconvene after receiving the government's submission to determine whether corrective action is required.