High Court Cracks Down on Encroachments in Shimla’s Lower Bazaar
Shimla’s bustling Lower Bazaar has come under the scanner of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, which has raised alarm over rampant encroachments, fire hazards, and the absence of basic public amenities in the historic marketplace.
A division bench led by Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Jialal Bhardwaj directed the Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) to take strict action not only against street vendors but also against shopkeepers who have illegally occupied government land outside their establishments. The court noted that shopkeepers cannot evade responsibility, as many are allegedly allowing encroachments and even collecting money from those occupying the space.
The bench observed that unchecked encroachments have made Lower Bazaar dangerously congested. With most buildings over 150 years old and built largely of wood, the area is highly vulnerable to fire. The judges warned that even a minor incident could escalate into a major disaster, especially since emergency vehicles would struggle to navigate the narrow lanes if encroachments remain.
Granting the Municipal Corporation full authority, the court made it clear that violations by shopkeepers will not be tolerated. The police have also been instructed to assist in keeping the area free from illegal occupation.
Beyond encroachments, the court flagged the lack of essential amenities in Lower Bazaar, including drinking water, seating for senior citizens and tourists, proper waste disposal, and designated parking for emergency vehicles. The administration has been asked to devise practical solutions to address these long-standing civic issues.
These directions came during the hearing of a public interest litigation filed back in 2014, which highlighted safety concerns and civic shortcomings in the market. The matter will be taken up again on March 10, 2026.
