2 min readShimlaApr 12, 2026 05:07 AM ISTJagat Singh NegiMore than 300 cases of violations of Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, 1972, including in high-profile projects such as the Chester Hills housing project in Solan, between January 1, 2023 and January 31, 2026 are under the scrutiny of the State Revenue Department.Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi said the government has sought detailed inputs from all districts. “We have conveyed to all deputy commissioners (DCs) to apprise us about the current status of these cases,” the minister told The Indian Express. Senior officials of the Revenue Department said these cases include violations and permissions linked to real estate, commercial, industrial and institutional projects — several of these involve non-agriculturists seeking permission to purchase land in the state under Section 118. “All DCs, who are the competent authorities at the district level to grant or monitor permissions under Section 118, have been directed to submit updated status reports of pending and approved cases,” they said.Department sources indicated that some districts sought time, citing engagement in preparations for the Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) elections.Official data tabled in the Assembly during the recently concluded Budget Session in response to a starred question suggests a total of 2,354 applications under Section 118 were received across the state between January 1, 2023 and January 31, 2026. Of these, 1,494 cases were approved, 12 were rejected, and a significant 849 cases are pending, indicating a substantial administrative backlog.Shimla: The controversy surrounding the Chester Hills housing project in Himachal Pradesh Solan further intensified Saturday, with the state’s Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) defending its role in granting approvals after Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta sought a detailed explanation over alleged inaction in addressing violations.Gupta wrote to RERA chairperson R D Dhiman on April 9, 2026, seeking a factual report within 15 days, asking if there was “wilful inaction” by officials despite complaints about violations of Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, which regulates the transfer of land to non-agriculturists.Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdAdvertisementLoading Recommendations...Apr 11: Latest NewsAsian Wrestling Championships: Meenakshi Goyat bags silver; Sujeet, Abhimanyou, Sandeep enter gold medal boutsThe frog that breaks its own bones to grow clawsT Natarajan opens up on pain behind DC comeback ahead of IPL 2026 clash against CSK: ‘Injury always in my mind’Music This Week: Shreya Ghoshal’s The All Hearts Tour – LiveVijay’s Jana Nayagan leaked online: Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Suriya condemn act, say ‘Piracy is an attack on the art and artiste itself’