IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA CWPIL No.125 of 2025 Decided on : 18.05.2026 Shivam Joshi ...Petitioner Versus State of HP and Ors. …Respondents. Coram Hon’ble Mr. Justice G.S. Sandhawalia, Chief Justice. Hon’ble Mr. Justice Bipin Chander Negi, Judge. Whether approved for reporting?1 For the petitioner : M/s Binat Sharma and Skandh Sharma, Advocates. For the respondent(s) : Ms. Priyanka Chauhan, Deputy Advocate General, for the respondents/State. Mr. Rajesh Kashyap, Advocate, for respondents No.3 and 4. G.S. Sandhawalia, Chief Justice (Oral) On 7th December, 2025, we had noticed the contradictions in the pleadings. Thereafter on 29.12.2025, the same had been clarified by filing an additional affidavit that the star-night performances were not held inside the temple premises nor any trust-controlled properties and were held at school ground, which is approximately 17 KM away from the temple premises. 1Whether the reporters of the local papers may be allowed to see the Judgment? Yes -2- 2. Learned counsel for the petitioner has now tried to build a new case that the professional singers, as such, were singing under the banner of Mata Shri Chintpurni Mahautsav- 2025 and thus tried to press for prayers in this respect. 3. Keeping in view the fact that now a separate argument has been raised, learned counsel for the petitioner is not in a position to substantiate the same on the basis of any pleadings. In such circumstances, he does not press the present petition with liberty reserved to file afresh on the same cause of action, if need so arises. 4. Accordingly, the present Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is dismissed as withdrawn with liberty reserved to file afresh on the same cause of action, if need so arises. Pending miscellaneous application(s), if any, also stands disposed of accordingly. (G.S. Sandhawalia) Chief Justice (Bipin Chander Negi) Judge 18th May, 2026 (Gaurav Rawat)