HP Minister Files Privilege Notice Against Mandi DC Over Republic Day Protocol Breach
Himachal Pradesh Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma has formally moved a privilege notice against Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, a 2015-batch IAS officer, for alleged violations of established government protocol during the district-level Republic Day celebrations. The notice was submitted to the Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Friday, citing serious lapses in official conduct.
Allegations of Protocol Violation
Minister Goma, who is also the law minister and a two-time MLA from Jaisinghpur assembly, accused DC Devgan of failing to adhere to prescribed protocol during his arrival in Mandi for the Republic Day function. According to Goma, as per standard procedure, the Deputy Commissioner was supposed to be present at the designated location when the minister reached Mandi around 7 PM on January 25.
"There were scores of people who came to submit their grievances. I was supposed to forward these grievances to the Deputy Commissioner but he was not present. One ADC and the local SDM were present. Locals also complained about the Deputy Commissioner," Goma told The Indian Express.
The minister further stated that the DC only arrived at the venue after the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister were informed about the situation. "The DC never tried to explain to me the reasons why he was not present... on January 25," he added, highlighting the perceived disregard for protocol.
Legal Basis and Procedure
The privilege notice has been submitted under Rule 75 of Chapter XII of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the state Legislative Assembly. This move comes amidst ongoing tensions between political representatives and bureaucrats in the state, following recent controversial remarks by PWD minister Vikramaditya Singh advising bureaucrats from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to work according to Himachal ethos.
Sources indicate that the notice has been received in the office of Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, who was reportedly out of station at the time. Goma confirmed that the Speaker's office staff informed him the notice would be forwarded to the Privilege Committee for investigation upon the Speaker's return.
Republic Day Function Context
The district-level Republic Day function was held at the Seri Manch in Mandi, where Minister Goma attended as the chief guest. The alleged protocol breach occurred during the preparations and initial proceedings of this significant national event, raising questions about administrative coordination and respect for established hierarchies.
Repeated attempts to contact DC Apoorv Devgan for his response to the allegations proved unsuccessful, as there was no response from the officer's side.
Historical Precedent of Privilege Notices
This incident marks the second time since December 2022 that a Congress legislator has moved a privilege notice against a bureaucrat since the party came to power in Himachal Pradesh. In 2024, Congress MLA Ram Kumar Chaudhary from Doon assembly filed a similar notice against then Superintendent of Police (Baddi), Ilam Afroz, a 2018-batch IPS officer, for allegedly breaching his privacy.
Following that previous case, SP Afroz went on extended casual leave and was subsequently transferred as the SP of Lahaul & Spiti district. In August 2025, she proceeded on study leave, with her charge being handed over to 2020-batch IPS officer Shivani Mehla.
The current privilege notice against Mandi DC Apoorv Devgan underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining protocol and professional relationships between elected representatives and administrative officers in Himachal Pradesh's governance structure.
