1 2025:HHC:36350 ) IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA. CWPIL No.79 of 2025 Decided on: 28.10.2025 Sat Parkash & anr. ....Petitioners Versus State of H.P. & Ors ....Respondents Coram Hon’ble Mr. Justice G.S. Sandhawalia, Chief Justice Hon’ble Mr. Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj, Judge Whether approved for reporting?1 For the Petitioner : Mr. Nimish Gupta, Advocate. For the respondents : Ms. Priyanka Chauhan, Deputy Advocate General for respondents No.1 to 5/State. Mr. Balram Sharma, DSGI with Mr. Rajeev Sharma, Advocate, for respondent No.6. G.S. Sandhawalia, Chief Justice(Oral) Status report has been filed by the State on 17.9.2025. 2. The instant petition has been filed seeking direction for the respondents for immediate rescue, relief and protection of approximately 5000 pilgrims stranded due to heavy floods and landslides during the Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba District, H.P. 3. In the status report, it has been mentioned that Manimahesh Yatra has been suspended on 1 Whether the reporters of Local Papers may be allowed to see the judgment? 2 2025:HHC:36350 ) 25.8.2025 and on account of adverse weather conditions, four number of steel bridges installed across the Nala at various points were washed away posing significant challenges in the evacuation of yatris stranded on the yatra route and nearly 9500 yatris were safely evacuated from the yatra route and various steps were taken, as such, including the deployment of NDRF, SDRF, Mountaineering and police personnel. The arrangements were made for free boarding and lodging and 16000 yatris were evacuated. National Highway 154A was opened for light motor vehicles upto Bharmour on 8.9.2025 and for heavy motor vehicles on 10.9.2025. 4. Air transport was also arranged on priority. The services of two private helicopters deployed for commercial helicopter shuttle service operations during the yatra were requisitioned and a large number of people were lifted and mortal remains of deceased persons were also transported. The death toll during the yatra, as such, was 22 in number and 13 deaths were recorded during the period from 23rd August to 31st August, 2025 when extreme weather conditions prevailed in the area. The mortal remains of all dead persons were retrieved on priority. Special team was constituted for 3 2025:HHC:36350 ) retrieving the bodies of four yatris, whose bodies were discovered at altitude ranging from 4000-5000 meters along the Parikarma route to Manimahesh Dal. 5. Keeping in view the sudden change in weather circumstances and landslides, deaths on account of shooting stones etc. apart from hypothermia due to high altitude etc., we are of the considered view that prayer, as such made that a High Level Committee headed by a retired Judge of the High Court be appointed, would not survive keeping in view the fact that the State has taken remedial measures. 6. The State has acted proactively and the persons deployed, as such, including the IAF personnel and others from NDRF, SDRF, police personnel have also put their lives at risk to rescue the persons for which appreciation is to be given. In view of the above, the present petition is closed alongwith pending applications, if any. (G.S. Sandhawalia) Chief Justice October 28, 2025 (Jiya Lal Bhardwaj) (mamta) Judge