1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA CWP No. 20974 of 2025 Decided on: 17.08.2026 Kishori Lal …..Petitioner Versus State of H.P and others ..Respondents ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coram Ms. Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua Whether approved for reporting?1 For the Petitioner: Mr. Pawan Kumar Sharma, Advocate. For the Respondents: Ms. Seema Sharma, Deputy Advocate General. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jyotsna Rewal Dua, Judge This writ petition has been filed for grant of following substantive reliefs:- “I. That the instant writ petition may kindly be allowed and the respondents may be directed to refund/release the security (₹22,75,000/-), upfront premium (₹22,75,000/-) & FDR (₹70,000/-) to the petitioner in time bound frame; II. The respondents may be directed to refund the stamp papers (₹80,000/-) lying in the office of respondent No.5; III. That the respondents may be directed to pay interest @9% on the security, upfront premium & FDR from the date the same has been deposited with the respondents.” 2. Respondents No. 1 to 6 have filed reply. In respect of prayer No.(I), the respondents have pleaded that security amount of ₹22,75,000/- deposited by the 1Whether reporters of print and electronic media may be allowed to see the order? Yes. 2 petitioner has already been released to him. Reply further states that release of further amount of ₹22,75,000/- deposited by the petitioner as upfront premium and fixed deposit of ₹70,000/- is under consideration with the government. Let decision be taken in this regard within four weeks. 3. Concerning petitioner’s second prayer for refund of stamp paper ₹80,000/-, respondents have admitted deposition of stamp papers worth ₹80,000/- by the petitioner in his reply. Let this amount be returned to the petitioner within aforesaid period. 4. In view of admission made by the respondents in their reply, the amount admissible to petitioner be returned to him in accordance with law within the aforesaid period. In case the amount due to the petitioner is not returned within the aforesaid period of four weeks, the same shall fetch interest @ 5% per annum. Accordingly, the writ petition stands disposed of. Pending miscellaneous application(s), if any, shall also stand disposed of. Jyotsna Rewal Dua August 17, 2026 Judge yogesh