IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA CWP No. 1322/2019 Decided on: 21.08.2026 Abhinav Chaudhary …Petitioner Versus H.P. University Summerhill, & Ors. .…Respondents. ………………………………………………………………………………. Coram Ms. Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua, Judge. Whether approved for reporting?1 For the petitioner: None. For the respondents: Ms. Ranjana Pathania, Advocate vice Ms. Archana Dutt, Advocate, for respondents No.1 & 2. Mr. Y.P.S. Dhaulta, Additional Advocate General, for respondent No.3. Jyotsna Rewal Dua, J. This writ petition has been filed for the grant of following substantive reliefs: - “1. Allow and grant admission to the petitioner in the Category/ Quota of reserved seats by allowing his admission under the sub- head of Ward of Armed Forces in view of Personnel, by doing the needful and/or Annexure P-3. 2. To Direct the Respondents to correct and update its prospectus, rules, norms for BA. LLB (Hons) and other courses run by the Respondents in the state of Himachal Pradesh under 1 Whether reporters of the local papers may be allowed to see the judgment? yes 2 its affiliation and recognition in view of Annexure P-3 and the latest notifications in this regard.” 2. Following order was passed in the matter on 03.07.2026: - “Learned counsel for the respondent-University has placed on record office letter dated 02.07.2026 addressed by respondent-University to the Special Secretary (Education) to the Government of Himachal Pradesh, seeking clarification for providing reservation to the wards of Armed Forces Personnel. The office letter conveys that provisions contained in Himachal Pradesh University First Ordinances do not envisage reservation for the wards of Armed Forces Personnel. That there is no clear instruction from the State Government on this subject. In fact, the office letter goes on to state that:- “therefore, if the State Government allowed the reservation to the Wards of Armed Forced Personnel in future, the University will have to adopt and implement the said instructions in letter and spirit’. 2. As against the above, in terms of office letter dated 27.06.2026 of the Special Secretary (Education) to the Government of Himachal Pradesh, addressed to the respondent- University, it is the University that is the contesting party and therefore, responsible to defend the case. 3. In view of above, it is apparent that the respondents i.e. the State Education Department and the Himachal Pradesh University are throwing the ball in each other’s Court without imparting any clear instructions on the subject. 4. In this view of the matter, let respondents No. 1 and 3 to remain present in the Court with their clear stand on the subject as to whether reservation is to be provided to the Wards of Armed Forces Personnel in the L.L.B Five Years’ Professional Degree Course in the respondent-University. List on 20.07.2026.” 3 None appeared for the petitioner in the matter on 03.08.2026. 3. Learned Deputy Advocate General has placed on record office instructions dated 01.08.2026 from the Secretary (Education) to the Government of Himachal Pradesh, relevant portion, of which, is as under: - “On the subject cited above 1 am directed to convey that this matter has been examined by the State Government in the light of the directions issued by the Hon'ble High Court on 03.07.2026, whereby the Secretary (Education) was directed to place on record a clear stand as to whether reservation is proposed to be provided to the wards of Armed Forces personnel in admission to the Five-Year LL.B. Professional Degree Course offered by Himachal Pradesh University. After due consideration of all relevant aspects, it has been decided that the State Government has no proposal under consideration to provide reservation to the wards of serving Armed Forces personnel in admission to the aforesaid course. You are, therefore, requested to apprise the Hon'ble High Court of the aforesaid stand of the State Government, accordingly.” Today again, there is no apperance on behalf of the petitioner. The petition is accordingly dismissed in default. Pending miscellaneous applications, if any, shall also stand disposed of. Jyotsna Rewal Dua Judge 21st August, 2026(rohit)