The Supreme Court on Monday set aside the Himachal Pradesh High Court’s interim order staying the State government’s proposal to shift the headquarters of the Himachal Pradesh Commission for Backward Classes from Shimla to Dharamshala in Kangra district.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice N.V. Anjaria observed that the relocation of an institutional headquarters was essentially a matter of government policy with limited scope for judicial interference.

The Court noted, prima facie, that such administrative decisions were not ordinarily justiciable, particularly when they concerned broader public policy and did not directly affect individual rights. It also pointed out that the High Court had stayed the proposal at a stage when the State had not even filed its counter-affidavit.

While clarifying that it was not expressing any final opinion on the merits of the case pending before the High Court, the Supreme Court held that there was no reason to restrain the State from proceeding with the proposed relocation.

Accordingly, the Court set aside the High Court’s stay order and granted liberty to the State government to shift the Commission’s headquarters to Dharamshala or any other suitable location, subject to the outcome of the proceedings pending before the High Court.