Himachal Governor Approves Bill Extending Shimla Mayor's Term to Five Years
In a significant development, Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Thursday granted his assent to the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Corporation (2nd Amendment) Bill, 2025. This legislative move officially extends the term of Shimla Mayor Surinder Chauhan and Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal from 2.5 years to a full five-year period.
Key Provisions of the Amended Law
The state government officially notified the Act on Thursday, bringing into effect several critical changes. Under the amended law, the mayor and deputy mayor of municipal corporations across Himachal Pradesh will now serve a five-year term from the date of their election. This extension applies unless they resign or, in the case of the deputy mayor, if they are elected as mayor.
If the office of the mayor or deputy mayor becomes vacant due to death, resignation, or a no-confidence motion, a fresh election must be held within one month to fill the position for the remaining term. This provision aims to ensure continuity in municipal governance while addressing unforeseen vacancies promptly.
Legislative Journey and Governor's Objections
The Bill was initially passed by the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on December 4, 2025. However, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla returned it with objections, describing the legislation as "unjustified and unreasonable." Despite this setback, the legislative assembly re-passed the Bill on February 16 without making any amendments.
As per Article 200 of the Indian Constitution, once a bill is repassed by the legislative assembly, the governor cannot withhold assent. This constitutional provision compelled Governor Shukla to approve the Bill, marking a pivotal moment in the state's municipal governance framework.
Judicial Review and Public Interest Litigation
The extension of the Shimla mayor and deputy mayor's terms is currently under judicial review. The Himachal Pradesh High Court has posted a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the government's decision for the next hearing on March 23.
The petition argues that, according to the roster system, a woman councillor was eligible to become Shimla mayor after November 15, 2025. It alleges that the state government's ordinance undermined the rights of women councillors, sparking a debate on gender representation and municipal policies.
This legal challenge adds a layer of complexity to the implementation of the amended law, as the court's decision could impact the tenure and eligibility criteria for future municipal leaders in the state.
