Archive · 17 Jan 2026
Himachal Governor Questions Ban on Drug Peddlers in Panchayat Polls
The Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shiv Pratap Shukla, has expressed concerns about the state government's decision to stop people involved in drug peddling from running in local village elections.
He thinks this decision might not be legal and could lead to court cases.
The government wants to keep people with drug links out of local politics to make communities safer.
Some legal experts agree with the Governor, saying only courts can decide who can run in elections.
The Governor also didn't comment on another issue about officers from other states working in Himachal Pradesh, saying it's the government's job to handle that.
Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla criticized the state government's decision to bar drug peddlers from contesting panchayat elections.
Shukla questioned the legal basis of the decision, suggesting it could invite judicial scrutiny.
The state government aims to prevent individuals with drug trafficking links from holding elected office.
Legal experts argue that the decision might violate fundamental rights and established legal principles.
The Governor declined to comment on a controversy involving IAS and IPS officers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
- Who
- Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and the state government
- What
- Controversy over banning drug peddlers from contesting panchayat elections
- When
- During the Indian Army Day function in Shimla
- Where
- Himachal Pradesh, India
- Why
- To curb drug abuse and prevent criminalization of grassroots democratic institutions
- Governor
- Shiv Pratap Shukla
- State
- Himachal Pradesh
- Issue
- Ban on drug peddlers contesting panchayat polls
- Event
- Indian Army Day function in Shimla
- Controversy
- Legal and constitutional debate over the ban
- Governor's Stance
- Questions legal basis, suggests court intervention
- Government's Stance
- Aims to curb drug abuse and criminalization of local bodies
