News
“High Court humiliated us, protest will continue”: Himachal District Bar Associations
SHIMLA- Amidst a continuous protest against the move of Himachal High Court for sending circuit courts of Additional District and Sessions Judges to subdivision level, on Sunday, representatives of bar associations from various districts gathered at the Shimla District Court Complex at Chakkar to decide further course of the protest. The move was criticized by angry lawyers practicing at district courts. They claim that it’s a ridiculous move and Chief Justice HP High Court has hurt the dignity and sanctity of the judiciary by not taking their views before making such a decision. The speakers expressed their grief over the humiliation they faced due to this move. Members commented that to deliver justice at doorsteps, first, the High Court should start circuit courts as there is only one High Court in the state, which makes it a compulsion for litigants to travel to the capital city. While senior advocates referred the issue as a serious situation where lawyers at district courts are facing a threat to their livelihood, the amateurs and new comers were almost asleep on back seats. Some members of Himachal Bar Council and Indian Bar Council were also present at the meet. To hear their grievance in their own voice, watch the videos below:
In highly charged atmosphere, speakers referred to the interference of political personalities in Judiciary, which applies to bar associations as well. But, as the present moment demands unity, most of the speakers emphasized the need to stand united. In some statements, representatives of district bar associations hinted towards the wastage of funds, which the High Court received recently. Lawyers also revoked an old demand that they have been making long; five days a week like that in High Court. They questioned the unjust discrimination in serving privileges in courts. However, a senior advocate, president of Hamirpur Bar Association, emphasized the need of focusing on the present issue of circuit court tours and not mix it with other issues. Also, they condemned the regulations in academic policies which are allowing a whole-sale of law degrees, and the fact that the courts are getting crowded with people in black suits, which they bought from educational institutes.
What are circuit courts tours and why the lawyers are protesting against them?
As a simple answer, now the Additional District and Sessions Judges in Himachal will tour the circuit courts in their respective sub-divisional courts. The litigants can file their cases in their respective sub-division courts and won’t have to travel to their respective district courts. The step was taken under ‘Justice at your doorstep policy’. That means, the litigants won’t need the lawyers practicing at district courts, while at the same time, lawyers at sub-divisional courts are all in gold. Also, some cases have already been transferred to circuit courts. Now, either the lawyers will have to tour the sub-divisions if they wish to continue with their clients or they’ll have to leave the case and issue an NOC so that the client could hire the services of some other lawyer practicing at sub-division level. Why anyone would run to a district court when he/she have courts much near to their homes?
After the meeting and a delicious lunch, the representatives of district bar associations along with senior advocates had a conversation to decide the fate of their protest and their demand of canceling the move. All the lawyers, except those practicing at sub-divisional courts, present at the gathering agreed to unite and continue with the protest until their plea isn’t heard by the honorable CJ of HP High Court.
An interesting question that you must consider before you take a side is that whether this move is beneficial and relevant for the majority of the public? If it is, then the lawyers are protesting for their personal survival in a professional world. It will affect the future generations of advocates. The decision has come as damage to the career of advocates. At the same time, don’t ignore the fact that lawyers also make a part of public and society. They also have families and they seek the same kind of security and comfort for their kids as any parents do for their kids. To the lawyer community, the profession you chose comes with a huge responsibility. Judiciary is one of the pillars of democracy. As true human and nationalist, every lawyer is ought to respect what benefits the majority of population.
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
Home Decor Ideas 2020