HP MC bill gets guv’s assent; mayor, deputy mayor’s term now 5 years

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Thursday gave his assent to the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Corporation (2nd Amendment) Bill, 2025, extending the term of Shimla mayor Surinder Chauhan and deputy mayor Uma Kaushal from 2.5 years to five years.The state govt officially notified the Act on Thursday. Under the amended law, the mayor and deputy mayor of municipal corporations across the state will now serve five years from the date of election, unless they resign or the deputy mayor is elected as mayor. If the mayor's or deputy mayor's office becomes vacant due to death, resignation, or a no-confidence motion, a fresh election will be held within a month to fill the position for the remaining term.
The Bill, initially passed by the legislative assembly on Dec 4, 2025, was returned by the governor with objections describing the Bill as "unjustified and unreasonable". However, the legislative assembly re-passed the Bill on Feb 16 without amendments. As per Article 200 of the Constitution, once repassed by the legislative assembly, the governor cannot withhold assent to the bill. Under judicial reviewThe extension of the Shimla mayor and deputy mayor is currently under judicial review, and the Himachal Pradesh high court posted the public interest litigation for the next hearing to March 23. The petition challenges the govt's decision, arguing that, according to the roster system, a woman councillor was eligible to become Shimla mayor after Nov 15, 2025, and the state govt ordinance allegedly undermined the rights of women councillors. MSID:: 129093757 413 |