Himachal: Law to prevent drug traffickers from contesting panchayat elections; draft prepared

January 30, 2026

The Himachal Pradesh government is planning to enact a law to prevent those involved in drug trafficking from contesting panchayat elections. After discussions with the Law Department, the state government has prepared a draft amendment bill in this regard.

It will be introduced in the budget session of the Legislative Assembly. Being caught with drugs or having an FIR registered for drug trafficking will be the basis for disqualification. Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh said that the state government is also going to add a new legal provision to the Panchayati Raj Act for this purpose. Hundreds of people have been booked in drug-related cases in Himachal Pradesh.

Even police personnel and employees of other government departments have been caught with drugs. Taking the matter seriously, the government has even terminated the services of such employees. Now, the law related to the election of panchayat representatives is also being made stricter. He said that after consultations with the Law Department, the draft has been prepared. It will now be introduced in the budget session of the Legislative Assembly.

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla has already stated that depriving someone of the right to contest elections is a legal matter. If the government takes this decision, it could become a subject of litigation in court. This is why the government is going to add a legal provision to the law.

Voter lists may be released today
The voter lists for the elections to the Panchayati Raj institutions in Himachal Pradesh may be released on Friday. The State Election Commission has asked the District Commissioners to publish the voter lists by January 30. The term of the Panchayati Raj institutions is ending on January 31. After this, preparations are underway to appoint administrators in the panchayats. So far, administrators have been appointed in 47 urban local bodies.

The state government has also studied the drafts of Rajasthan and other states for appointing administrators. The publication of the voter lists will determine the next process for the elections to the Panchayati Raj institutions. However, there is also speculation that the date for the publication of the voter lists may be extended by two more days.