Shimla News Today: High Court Orders Panchayat Elections by April 30

It has been an action-packed 24 hours in Shimla. On Friday, January 9, 2026, the Himachal Pradesh High Court delivered a significant verdict impacting rural governance, while security forces were kept on their toes by a bomb threat hoax. Meanwhile, the weather gods continue to test the patience of tourists and apple growers alike.

Here is a detailed roundup of the top stories coming out of Shimla today.

1. High Court to Govt: Conduct Panchayat Elections by April 30

In a major legal setback for the state government, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has refused to delay the Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) elections any further.

• ** The Order:** A Division Bench comprising Justice Vivek Thakur and Justice Romesh Verma directed the State Election Commission and the Himachal government to complete the election process for Panchayati Raj bodies and Urban Local Bodies before April 30, 2026.
• Govt’s Plea Rejected: The state government had requested a deferment of six months, citing damage from recent natural disasters and logistical issues. The court rejected this argument, stating that further delay would cause administrative chaos, especially with the Census duties starting in May.
• Why It Matters: The five-year term of the current Panchayats ends on January 31, 2026. This order forces the administration into “election mode” immediately.

2. Security Scare: Fake Bomb Threat at High Court

Shimla witnessed high drama on Thursday morning (reported today) when an anonymous email claimed a bomb was planted in the High Court premises.

• Action Taken: The court complex was immediately evacuated. Bomb disposal squads and dog squads conducted an extensive search operation.
• Outcome: Fortunately, no explosives were found, and the threat was declared a hoax. Shimla SSP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi confirmed that security has been heightened, and cyber police are tracking the sender of the email.

3. Weather Update: Dry Spell Continues, No Snow Yet

For tourists flocking to Shimla hoping for a “White January,” the news remains disappointing.

• Current Status: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that the dry spell is likely to continue for the next few days. December 2025 was one of the driest in decades, and January 2026 is following the same pattern.
• Temperature: While days are sunny, nights are freezing with temperatures hovering around -1°C to 2°C.
• Impact: Apple growers are worried as the “chilling hours” required for a good crop are not being met due to the lack of moisture and snow.

4. Cabinet Decision: New Township & Office Shift

In a cabinet meeting held in Shimla, the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government took several key decisions to boost development:

• ‘Him-Chandigarh’ Township: The cabinet approved land acquisition for a new world-class township near the Chandigarh border (Baddi-Nalagarh area) to decongest existing cities.
• Office Shift: The headquarters of the Himachal Pradesh State Commission for Backward Classes will be shifted from Shimla to Dharamshala. This move is seen as an effort to balance regional development.
• Disaster Management: A new ₹892 crore project for disaster risk reduction, funded by the French Development Agency, was also sanctioned.

What Tourists Should Know

If you are planning a trip to Shimla this weekend:

• Roads: All roads to Shimla are open and clear (no snow blockages).
• Crowds: The New Year rush has subsided, making it a good time for a peaceful visit.
• Clothing: Carry heavy woolens as the wind chill is high, even without snow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)