Days after it ordered closure of 18 HPTDC hotels, Himachal Pradesh HC allows 9 to stay open till March

The 9 hotels permitted to stay unfastened are The Palace Hotel (Chail), Hotel Devdar (Khajjiar), The Castle (Naggar), Hotel Meghdoot (Kiarighat), Hotel Chandrabhaga (Keylong), Hotel Log Huts (Manali), Hotel Kunzum (Manali), Hotel Bhagsu (Mcleodganj) and Hotel Dhauladhar (Dharamshala).

“On November 19, the precocious tribunal had ordered the closing of 18 hotels retired of 56 tally by HPTDC connected the ground of little occupancy. We informed the precocious tribunal that occupancy is not the sole facet to spot if a edifice is making a nett oregon loss. We presented figures that too the occupancy, income is being generated done different means, including organising backstage functions, authorities functions etc successful these hotels, advocator Shilpa Goel, HPTDC counsel, told The Indian Express.

On November 19, Justice Goel had described the 18 hotels arsenic “white elephants” and directed their contiguous closure, effectual November 25, arsenic portion of a proceeding connected a petition regarding unpaid fiscal benefits to retired HPTDC employees.

With the tribunal directing the tourism corp that they beryllium closed by November 25, the destiny of the remaining 9 hotels, which see Hotel Geetanjali (Dalhousie), Hotel Baghal (Darlaghat), Hotel Kunal (Dharamshala), Hotel Kashmir House (Dharamshala), Hotel Apple Blossom (Fagu), Hotel Giriganga (Kharapathar), Hotel Sarvari (Kullu), and Hotel Shivalik (Parwanoo), volition beryllium decided connected November 24.

Meanwhile, the determination to adjacent the 18 hotels coupled with the attachment of Himachal Bhawan successful Delhi has enactment the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led authorities connected the defensive. The Opposition BJP has powerfully criticised the authorities government, accusing it of failing to support Himachal Pradesh’s interests and heritage.