Himachal: High Court Seeks Affidavit; Expresses Displeasure Over Dilapidated Condition of Public Toilets

June 2, 2026

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the concerned officials and the Shimla Municipal Corporation to file a comprehensive affidavit addressing the dilapidated condition and lack of hygiene in public and community toilets across the entire state, including the capital city of Shimla. This affidavit must clearly demonstrate the corrective measures implemented on the ground following the Court’s previous directives, outline the current status of the toilets, and detail the future changes being undertaken.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chander Negi expressed displeasure over the Shimla Municipal Corporation’s failure to submit a concrete action report, despite the passage of one year. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for July 21.

It was brought to the attention of the Division Bench that an affidavit had been filed by the Commissioner of the Shimla Municipal Corporation on May 20, 2025. This affidavit stated that the Chief Sanitary Inspector, along with the Ward Councilors, would conduct inspections across all 34 wards of Shimla. The objective of this exercise was to identify and subsequently remove unhygienic toilets, waste hotspots, and unauthorized banners and posters.

The Court noted in strong terms that the inspection report subsequently submitted had revealed the deplorable condition of numerous toilets. Expressing its displeasure, the Court observed that although more than a year has elapsed since the submission of this report, the administration has failed to file a fresh affidavit detailing the specific and effective measures taken to address these issues.