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HP High Court’s gift to daughters of freedom fighters on Independence Day
Shimla: The State High Court of Himachal Pradesh on August 14, 2018, struck down a 1984 policy of the State, which discriminated against the married women. The policy did not consider the married women at par with the married sons and specifically excluded them from reservation being provided to “wards of freedom fighters” category in Govt. Jobs in the state of H.P.
The occasion is apt to echo the four decade old illuminating words of one of the greatest Judges of our Apex Court, Hon’ble J. Krishna Iyer where he said:
If a married man has a right, a married woman, other thing being equal, stands on no worse footing. This misogynous posture is a hangover of the masculine culture of manacling the weaker sex forgetting how our struggle for national freedom was also a battle against woman’s thraldom.
In the year 1984, it was decided by the state of H.P that 2% reservation in services be provided to the children/grandchildren of freedom fighters belonging to the State of H.P. in direct recruitment to all services/posts i.e. Class-I to IV including all Public Sector Undertakings/ Boards/Corporations. As per Scheme, the benefit of the reservation was applicable in respect of sons/grandsons, daughters/ granddaughters of Freedom Fighters. The married daughters/ granddaughters of Freedom Fighters were excluded from the scheme.
The issue of this exclusion was taken up and judicially reviewed by the bench of Hon’ble J.Sanjay Karol and J. Sandeep Sharma on a petition by Letter petitioners Ms Rekha Sharma and Ms Geeta Sharma, daughters of late Shri Het Ram Sharma (a Freedom Fighter).
The court appointed Advocate Deven Khanna as Amicus Curie who made submissions on behalf of the married daughters of freedom fighters (petitioners).
The stand of the state as reflected from the affidavit filed in 2017 was that;
So far as the question regarding giving reservation quota to the married Daughters/ granddaughters of Freedom Fighters is concerned, it is submitted that status of a married woman has to be construed in consonance with the general understanding of the word family as well as a status of married woman in the society. After marriage, a married woman loses the status of being a member of the parent’s family.
On an Affidavit dated October 10, 2017, filed by the Deputy Secretary (GAD) in the Court it was stated:
According to common knowledge and general understanding, the married daughter does not constitute to be a part of the family in its real sense. A daughter of a freedom fighter after her marriage, gets herself transplanted into the family of her husband and cannot, therefore, be claimed to be a part of the family in its real sense of the freedom fighter her father at least for anything relating to her children.
The State effectually took a stand that after solemnization of marriage; daughter severs her relationship with her parental family, for she gets “transplanted” into the family of her husband, and as such, cannot claim herself to be part of family of a Freedom Fighter.
It was argued on behalf of Married daughters (petitioners) that exclusion of a married daughter is plainly an act of hostile discrimination which is violative of the fundamental right guaranteed under Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution. The condition which has been imposed by the State does not prescribe financial dependence and does not exclude married men.
It was argued that the contrary the purpose here is to give benefit to the family of freedom fighter for their services, family here includes married daughter as much as married son,if we look at the classification made by the state between a married man and married daughter, it does not bear any connection with the object of the policy which seeks the benefit of the family members, hence this violates the basic rights.
It was stated that Discrimination law now sees as its focus the redressal of structural and institutional conditions, that have been historically responsible for subordination on the basis of gender roles. Gender roles here being married daughter considered dependent on her husbands family and losing her identity as it was prior to marriage.
It was further submitted by the amicus that discriminatory treatment, in this case, causes substantive disadvantage to women on grounds of their sex in public employment which is violative of article 16.
It was stated by the amicus:
It is the duty of the State to “not perform” an act which would discriminate on grounds of sex., there is also a positive obligation on the State to perform an act which would remove such existent discriminations.
The Court discussed a Plethora of judgments which had carved out a landscape of principles against gender discrimination in recent years.
Finally, the court struck down the policy to the extent it discriminates against married women and was contrary to the constitution.
The Court speaking through Hon’ble J. Karol came down heavily on the line of defence adopted by the state while striking down the unconstitutional part of the policy, the court held:
“******We find the stand adopted by the State to be absolutely archaic and disappointing..
::…..We notice that, under the instant Policy, the object and purpose of providing reservation is to confer the benefit upon the wards of the Freedom Fighters. Stand taken by the State that daughter gets transplanted into the family of her husband, in view of what the Hon’ble Supreme Court has observed, noticed by us supra, is not in tune with the changing times. The primary object and purpose of the Policy is not to confer benefits only on the male members of the Freedom Fighters. It is to acknowledge the sacrifices made by the Freedom Fighters, by giving employment to their wards.
….The primary object to provide employment to wards of freedom fighters is to recognize the outstanding services rendered by them to the Nation during the struggle for Independence and thus their wards are given benefit towards employment by making reservation to them under the category of “Wards of Freedom Fighters”. In our considered view, Daughters and Granddaughters, even if married, would be eligible for public employment.
…The action of the respondents by not giving reservation to married women and not allotting them Wards of Freedom Fighter Certificate, is illegal and arbitrary and an example of colorable exercise of power, for marriage does not have and should not have a proximate nexus with identity. The identity of a woman, as a woman continues to subsist even after and notwithstanding her marital relationship.
The time has, therefore, come for the Court to affirmatively emphasise that it is not open to the State, if it has to act in conformity with the fundamental principles of equality which are embodied in Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution, to discriminate against married daughters by depriving them of the benefit of the reservation, which is made available to a son irrespective of his marital status.”*******(excerpt is from the judgement in CWPIL 114 of 2018)
The Court also took note of the fact that the policy was an old policy, passed before the guarantees of sex equality under Articles 14 and 15 had an adequate expansion through various judgements of the apex court. The Court also referred to conflicting opinions passed by its previous benches.
The present case strengthens the fight for equality and strikes at the Differential treatment of men and women on the basis of presumed “gender roles” between the sexes, it exposes that discrimination results from conscious, chauvinistic Mindset and sometimes a product of social, economic, and cultural structures and institutions that create “patterns of exclusion”.
This significantly advances Indian sex discrimination jurisprudence, not only because of what the Court held i.e “that the policy discriminates against married women”, but also because how it was expressed, Justice Karol commenting on the stand of the state observed:
It is certainly not in tune with the changing times. In fact, it is out of sync with the constitutional values and principles. The predominant mindset of male chauvinism is all-pervading.
The language here is highlighting the impact of discrimination, because such practices end up reproducing existing social inequalities and hierarchies, and are the cause of stereotyping a particular gender into set roles. The need is to change the mindset and spread the constitutional morality of equality and freedom, to counter the chauvinism prevalent in the society at large and to provide a level playing field for all to prosper.
The case is a victory for women rights movement and an example of the justice system coming to the rescue of fundamental rights, against, biased and prejudicial laws which have a legacy of discrimination and are nursed by misogynistic mindsets of our society.
Shimla—A quiet but worrying crisis is unfolding in Himachal Pradesh. Across several districts, traders, hoteliers, and restaurant owners are reporting a sharp shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, leaving many establishments with barely a few days’ supply. In a state where tourism drives the local economy, disruptions in cooking fuel supply can quickly escalate into a wider economic concern.
Local reports indicate the shortage is already affecting hospitality businesses. Traders in Shimla have warned that commercial gas stocks may last only a couple of days if fresh deliveries do not arrive soon, according to a report by Amar Ujala. Restaurant owners have echoed similar concerns in Solan and nearby tourist towns, where businesses fear that kitchens may soon struggle to operate without regular supplies, as reported by Dainik Jagran.
At first glance, the shortage appears to be a regional supply bottleneck. In reality, the problem is tied to wider disruptions in global energy markets triggered by the ongoing tensions in West Asia.
Tourism economy vulnerable to fuel disruption
Himachal Pradesh’s tourism sector relies heavily on thousands of small and medium establishments—restaurants, cafés, dhabas, and hotels. Unlike large metropolitan areas where piped natural gas networks are expanding, most commercial kitchens in the hill state still depend almost entirely on LPG cylinders.
This dependence makes the sector particularly vulnerable. Even short supply disruptions can force restaurants to reduce operations, limit menus, or temporarily shut down.
Industry bodies across India have already sounded the alarm. Restaurant operators have warned that continued supply disruptions could lead to closures across the sector. For a tourism-driven state like Himachal Pradesh, such disruptions can ripple through the wider economy.
The global trigger: instability in West Asia
The roots of the crisis lie thousands of kilometers away. The conflict involving the United States and Iran has begun affecting energy markets and shipping routes in the Gulf region.
A key concern is the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors through which a large share of global oil and LPG shipments pass. India’s dependence on this route is substantial. Energy analysts estimate that a majority of India’s LPG imports originate from Gulf countries and move through this narrow maritime passage, as noted in a report by The New Indian Express.
Any instability in the region immediately affects supply chains. Shipping risks rise, insurance premiums increase, and cargo movement slows. These pressures eventually filter down to domestic markets.
Recent reports have also linked rising LPG prices and supply concerns to the Middle East crisis, with consumers expressing worry about the impact of the conflict on cooking gas costs, according to ANI News.
Domestic prioritisation, commercial shortage
When supplies tighten, governments typically prioritise household consumption. Domestic LPG cylinders are considered essential for daily cooking, and maintaining their availability becomes a policy priority.
However, this often leaves commercial users facing reduced allocations. Restaurants and hotels depend almost entirely on commercial cylinders, which are distributed through a separate supply channel.
In response to the emerging supply concerns, the government has reportedly taken steps to ensure adequate domestic availability of LPG, including directing refiners to increase production and manage distribution more closely, as reported by The Economic Times.
While such measures protect households, they can intensify shortages for commercial establishments.
Geography amplifies the problem
Himachal Pradesh faces additional logistical challenges. LPG cylinders used in the state are largely transported from bottling plants located outside its borders. Moving these supplies across mountainous terrain involves long supply chains and limited transport routes.
When upstream deliveries slow down—whether at ports, refineries, or bottling plants—the impact reaches hill towns more quickly and more sharply.
At the same time, alternatives remain limited. Large-scale piped gas networks are rare in the state, and many commercial kitchens lack the electrical capacity required for high-energy cooking equipment.
A warning for energy resilience
The emerging LPG shortage in Himachal Pradesh is more than a temporary supply issue. It highlights a deeper vulnerability in India’s energy system—heavy dependence on imported fuel and fragile supply chains exposed to geopolitical shocks.
For a café owner in Shimla or a hotel operator in Manali, the geopolitics of West Asia may seem distant. Yet the current situation demonstrates how closely global energy flows are tied to local economies.
A disruption in the Persian Gulf can slow tanker shipments, delay fuel supplies at Indian ports, disrupt distribution networks—and ultimately affect the availability of cooking gas in a Himalayan kitchen.
As the situation evolves, the hope in Himachal Pradesh is that supply lines stabilise quickly. But the episode offers a clear lesson: in an interconnected world, even the quiet kitchens of the mountains are not insulated from global conflict.
Mandi|July 11, 2025 — In the lap of the Himalayas, nestled among deodar forests and flowing streams, the district of Mandi has long stood as a symbol of Himachal’s tranquil beauty. But in the monsoon of 2025, that tranquillity was shattered — not by nature alone, but by a deadly combination of climate extremes, administrative apathy, and long-ignored warnings.
This year’s monsoon came not as a nurturing rain, but as a devastating deluge. What began in late June as a forecasted spell of heavy rainfall turned into one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent memory for Himachal Pradesh. And no place bore the brunt quite like Mandi.
The Collapse of Safety
Between June 20 and July 10, the state witnessed 91 rain-related deaths, out of which 17 occurred in Mandi district alone, making it the hardest-hit region according to the State Disaster Management Authority. More than 750 homes were completely destroyed, and another 880 partially damaged, while 10 bridges, multiple roads, and entire stretches of power and water infrastructure were washed away. In just 21 days, the estimated damage statewide crossed ₹750 crore.
The primary culprits? Landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods — many of which occurred in the dead of night, catching villagers off guard.
In Siyathi village, 67 lives were saved not by sirens or warning systems, but by a dog’s bark. A resident, Narendra, told media:
“It was midnight. We were sleeping. Suddenly the dog began barking non-stop. We ran out. Within minutes, the entire hillside collapsed and our homes were buried.”
The dog, unnamed but hailed as a hero, became a symbol of what worked in a place where institutional response did not.
A Night of Heroes in Deji Village
In nearby Deji, two college students — Ronid Pundir and Sahil Thakur — from Thunag Horticulture College became real-life saviours. When a sudden cloudburst triggered a flash flood in the dead of night, the duo ran from house to house, waking families and helping them escape. Their actions helped evacuate over 150 people.
“We didn’t think twice. We just saw the water rising and started pulling people out,” Ronid told the media.
Despite such moments of courage, the tragedy left deep scars. In many parts of Seraj, Karsog, and Sundernagar subdivisions, residents reported that local authorities failed to respond in time. Emergency shelters were ill-equipped. In remote hamlets, stranded families waited hours, sometimes days, for rescue.
A Failure of Planning, Not Just Weather
Himachal’s vulnerability to extreme weather is well known. Yet critics argue that poor land use planning, unregulated construction near rivers, and unsafe road-cutting practices have greatly magnified the disaster’s impact.
Geologists and environmentalists have warned for years that road expansion projects and large-scale deforestation in hill regions have weakened slope stability. In many places, construction has occurred dangerously close to water channels, despite repeated advisories.
This time, the warnings played out in real-time — with mud, stone, and entire homes tumbling into ravines.
Government Response: Promises and Limitations
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the worst-affected villages, including Baga, Syanj, and Panglyur, personally distributing relief materials and speaking with the victims.
“No family should feel alone. The state stands with you,” he said during a relief camp visit.
The state government announced ₹7 lakh in compensation per fully destroyed house, and temporary shelters for displaced families. In contrast, the central government’s compensation — capped at ₹1.3 lakh — has drawn criticism from state ministers and the public alike.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi remarked:
“What we’re getting from the Centre is insufficient. Our people are suffering. We need stronger, faster support.”
A Glimpse into the Future
Perhaps the most chilling aspect of this disaster is that it may be only the beginning. Scientists warn that climate change is accelerating the frequency and intensity of such events in the Himalayas. Increased temperatures are destabilizing glaciers. Erratic rainfall patterns are overwhelming natural drainage systems.
Experts now call for a complete reassessment of infrastructure policy in Himachal — including bans on construction near rivers, better slope-stabilization in road projects, and improved early warning systems for landslides and flash floods.
“What’s happening is not natural anymore,” said a climate scientist from IIT Mandi. “It’s a man-made disaster wrapped in nature’s disguise.”
Beyond Numbers: The Lives Left Behind
In the hills of Mandi, statistics cannot capture the grief. Each day, as clouds gather, a quiet anxiety grips the village once more.
Shimla– In times of conflict, journalism must rise to its noblest purpose: truth, accountability, and responsibility. And yet, as India and Pakistan faced off once again across borders—bullets flying, lives lost, families shattered—a section of the Indian media turned tragedy into theatre.
From the moment reports of cross-border attacks surfaced, several primetime news anchors transformed their studios into shrill war rooms. Not to inform, but to inflame. Graphic war music, animated explosions, ticker tapes screaming “BREAKING”—the spectacle began. As soldiers bled on the border, TV screens bled hyperbole.
The most damning criticism did not come from adversaries but from global media observers. The BBC described Indian news channels’ coverage as “jingoistic and unhinged”. Al Jazeera and The Guardian echoed similar sentiments, noting how unverified reports, doctored videos, and belligerent studio debates replaced sober reportage.
Anchors, who had never seen a trench or a frontline, banged desks demanding military action. Unconfirmed reports were aired without attribution. Words like “annihilation,” “revenge,” and “surgical strike 2.0” were thrown around with theatrical bravado. There was no time to pause for facts. There was no room for nuance. There was only TRP.
The absurdity reached its peak when a few channels aired animations of fighter jets with triumphant music. Meanwhile, real families were burying their dead – soldiers and civilians alike.
In this chaos, journalism died a quiet death.
Media as Vultures
The metaphor is tragically apt. These channels, masquerading as patriots, behaved like vultures—circling the battlefield, feeding off the dead for ratings. Their hunger wasn’t for truth, but for viewership. They amplified hatred, dismissed dissent, and turned war into primetime entertainment.
And in doing so, they embarrassed India, not just at home but before the world.
The Cost of Sensationalism
When media loses its spine, democracy loses its mirror. The consequence is not just embarrassment—it’s danger. Misinformation in wartime can escalate conflict, trigger communal unrest, and mislead policymakers. A responsible media can cool tensions. An irresponsible one can fan the flames.
We must ask: Where is the human cost of war—the widows, the orphans, the destroyed homes? Where is the perspective from peace-builders, historians, and diplomats? Journalism is not supposed to echo government talking points—it is supposed to hold power to account, especially in wartime.
What Needs to Change
The Press Council of India, the News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA), and civil society must take stronger action against media outlets that violate ethical standards. Viewers too must switch off noise in favor of news. The Indian media must remember that its loyalty is to truth—not to war, not to government, and certainly not to TRP.
War is not a spectacle. Soldiers are not content. And journalism is not war-mongering.
It is time Indian newsrooms return to their core duty: informing citizens with accuracy, dignity, and humanity.
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