Himachal Pradesh High Court Launches Disaster Relief Fund to Aid Rain-Hit Families
In a heartwarming move to support communities battered by relentless rains and landslides in Himachal Pradesh, the High Court in Shimla has created a special voluntary fund called the Chief Justice Disaster Relief Fund 2025. Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia is leading this effort, urging everyone in the legal world to contribute based on their "call of conscience" and help families struggling to rebuild their lives after the devastation.
The state has faced an extraordinary tragedy this monsoon season, with cloudbursts, heavy rains, and landslides causing massive destruction across districts. In places like Mandi, Kullu, Kangra, and Chamba, families have lost homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. Official reports show a heartbreaking death toll of 366 so far, with roads blocked, power lines down, and water supplies disrupted. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) says 869 roads remain closed, 1,572 power lines are affected, and 389 water schemes are out of order. The government estimates losses at Rs 3,959 crore and rising, especially after incidents like the June tragedy in Seraj assembly constituency where 31 people died and road access was completely cut off. Even the Indian Air Force stepped in to rescue stranded pilgrims during the Manimahesh Yatra.
This isn’t the first time Himachal Pradesh has battled such natural calamities. Back in 2023, the state suffered over Rs 10,000 crore in damages from similar weather disasters, hitting areas like Shimla and Kullu hard. During the recent Monsoon Session of the Assembly, the government passed a resolution declaring the state a national disaster-hit area and is now pushing the Central government for a special relief package.
The High Court’s fund draws inspiration from its successful relief work in 2023, when it helped displaced families and repaired damaged infrastructure. This time, they’re focusing on quick aid under the Legal Services Authorities Act, guided by Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant, who heads the National Legal Services Authority. Legal services officers will identify the worst-affected families and areas, ensuring monetary help, clothes, utensils, and other essentials reach those who need it most.
Justice Sandhawalia emphasized in a circular that every contribution, no matter how small, can restore hope and dignity to thousands who’ve lost everything. The appeal goes out to the entire judicial and legal community in Himachal Pradesh – from High Court judges and the Advocate-General to district judges, bar associations, judicial officers, and registry staff. Senior Judge Justice Vivek Singh Thakur, as Executive Chairman of the State Legal Services Authority, will oversee operations, with paralegal volunteers and panel lawyers distributing aid at key points across districts.
Contributions are easy and transparent. The fund operates through a dedicated savings account at UCO Bank in the High Court Complex, Shimla (Account No. 18330110060070; IFSC Code UCBA0001833). A QR code is available for quick digital transfers. The Registrar (Accounts) acts as the nodal officer for receiving funds, and disbursements will flow through the State Legal Services Authority and District Legal Services Authorities.
This initiative shows the High Court’s commitment to humanitarian support alongside its judicial duties. As the rains continue to wreak havoc in all 12 districts, such efforts bring a ray of hope to disaster-hit communities in Himachal Pradesh facing landslides, floods, and rebuilding challenges.
