IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA CWP No. 5389/2026 Decided on: 27.04.2026 M/s Gurjinder Singh …Petitioner Versus State of H.P. & Ors. .…Respondents ………………………………………………………………………………. Coram Ms. Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua, Judge. Whether approved for reporting?1 For the petitioner: Mr. Ajay Vaidya, Advocate. For the respondents: Mr. Rajat Choudhary, Assistant Advocate General, for respondents No.1 to 4. Jyotsna Rewal Dua, J. Heard. Petitioner is the allottee of L-14S (Sub Vend) at Mandhala attached with Main Vend L-14 Kalujhanda in Baddi- Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN), Himachal Pradesh, for the financial year 2026-27. Licence in the form L-14S (Sub Vend) at Mandhala of Main Vend L-14 Kalujhanda was issued to the petitioner on 10.04.2026 and is valid upto 31.03.2027. 2. The petitioner had accordingly set up his vend at Mandhala. Apprehending that the respondents have reportedly ordered shifting of his sub vend, petitioner filed this writ petition praying for directions to the respondents not to shift his vend L-14S 1 Whether reporters of the local papers may be allowed to see the judgment? yes 2 (Sub Vend) Mandhala. Petitioner has also referred to certain incidents wherein local residents allegedly attempted to close his vend unauthorizedly and illegally. 3. Upon notice, the respondents have placed on record office instructions dated 23.04.2026 issued by the Commissioner of State Taxes & Excise, Himachal Pradesh, admitting grant of L-14S (Sub Vend) on 10.04.2026 in petitioner’s favour at Mandhala for retail sale of IMFL, CL & Beer etc., attached with Main Vend L-14 Kalujhanda. In terms of the instructions, sub vend L-14S Mandhala fulfills all codal formalities in terms of Excise Policy 2026-27, including prescribed distance from recognized educational institution, place of worship, inter-district bus stand, cremation or burial ground etc. The instructions are also to the effect that L-14S Mandhala was opened by the petitioner on 10.04.2026 at Mandhala, however, certain local villagers forcibly closed the said vend. It has been further stated in the instructions that, on the application of the petitioner, the respondents-State Taxes & Excise Department has already requested the Superintendent of Police, District Baddi, to provide adequate personnel for smooth functioning of the sub vend L-14S Mandhala. It is the categorical stand of the respondent-Department that no direction or notice whatsoever has been issued for closure or shifting of L-14S Sub Vend Mandhala 3 and that it is only local people who have forcibly closed the said sub vend. In view of the stand taken by the respondents, this writ petition is disposed of with directions to respondent No.4- Superintendent of Police, BBN Police District Baddi, to ensure that the petitioner is able to operate L-14S Mandhala, in accordance with law. Pending miscellaneous applications, if any, shall also stand disposed of. Jyotsna Rewal Dua Judge 27th April, 2026(rohit)