Shimla, September 21, 2026:
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) to reconsider the claim of contractual conductor Tara Chand for retrospective regularization after a criminal case registered against him was closed.
Hon’ble Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua, while disposing of CWP No. 16329 of 2026 on 21 September 2026, noted that Tara Chand was appointed as a conductor on contract basis on 18 November 2021 and became eligible for regularization after completing the prescribed period. However, his case was initially left out after registration of an FIR under Sections 279 and 337 IPC. The police subsequently submitted a Closure Report, which was accepted by the competent Magistrate on 27 July 2026.
The Court took note of its earlier decision in Rajinder Kumar v. HRTC, which held that mere registration of a criminal case should not automatically deprive a contractual employee of consideration for regularization. The nature and gravity of the alleged offence must also be considered.
The Court further referred to HRTC’s office letter dated 22 January 2021, which directed authorities to consider pending regularization cases involving FIRs by examining the gravity and nature of the alleged offences.
Accordingly, the HOn’ble High Court directed HRTC to consider and decide Tara Chand’s representation seeking regularization with effect from 15 July 2024, keeping in view the earlier judgment, HRTC guidelines and the fact that the FIR had been closed. The decision was directed to be taken within three weeks.
Case Details:
| Case Title | Tara Chand vs. Himachal Road Transport Corporation & Others |
| Case Number | CWP No. 16329 of 2026 |
| Court | Hon’ble High Court of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla |
| Coram: | Hon’ble Ms. Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua |
| Petitioner: | Tara Chand |
| Counsel for the Petitioner: | Mr. Rajat Kumar, Advocate |
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