Himachal Pradesh Assembly Defies Governor, Passes Key Real Estate and Municipal Bills

The Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Monday passed the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill once more, ignoring objections raised by the governor. This legislative move took place during the Winter session, with the bill previously returned for reconsideration amidst concerns.

Introduced by Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani, the amendment seeks a significant change in the leadership of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority's committee. The Bill designates the chief secretary as the chairperson, instead of the Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court, a shift that has provoked debate.

In a similar vein, the assembly also re-passed the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Corporation Amendment Bill, aimed at extending terms of mayors and deputy mayors from two and a half to five years. Despite the governor's objection, both bills were ratified in their original form.