HPTDC Under Court Scrutiny for Pending Dues: HC Seeks Full Disclosure
Shimla, June 27, 2025:
The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Thursday directed the Managing Director of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) to file a detailed affidavit within a week, revealing the complete list of pending dues from various government departments and private entities.
The directive came during the hearing of CWP No. 9681 of 2023 – Jai Krishan Mehta Vs. HPTDC, where the court, presided by Justice Sandeep Sharma, expressed dissatisfaction over the partial recovery of outstanding amounts.
The court was informed earlier, on November 12, 2024, that as of August 31, 2024, HPTDC had recovered ₹1.68 crore from various government departments and ₹47.07 lakh from private individuals and entities by November 7, 2024.
However, the court noted that the full amount due — especially from HPTDC-run hotels — still remains unrecovered.
Justice Sharma has now asked the Managing Director of HPTDC to clarify:
The exact amount yet to be recovered from different government departments,
The names of private parties still defaulting on payments,
And, crucially, the details of all departments and private entities who have failed to clear dues despite repeated reminders.
The matter has now been listed for further hearing on July 9, 2025. The court hinted that it may pass stricter directions based on the affidavit filed.
Present in court were Advocate Om Parkash Goel for the petitioner, Advocate Atul Jhingan (vice Ms. Shilpa Sood) for HPTDC, and Additional Advocates General Rajan Kahol and B.C. Verma, along with Deputy Advocate General Ravi Chauhan, for the State.
The case continues to draw attention amid growing concerns over fiscal discipline and transparency in state-run tourism bodies.