A Division Bench of Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma said the court would not intervene. They explained that the Union Government used its lawful discretion while approving the extension. Moreover, they noted that the state highlighted urgent administrative needs at the time.

Prabodh Saxena, a 1990-batch IAS officer, was set to retire on March 31. However, the Centre extended his service in March. After his extended tenure ended on September 30, the state appointed him Chairman of the HPSEB for three years.

Meanwhile, advocate Atul Sharma argued that the extension violated service rules and DoPT guidelines. He also claimed that vigilance clearance should not apply because Saxena faces charges in the INX Media case.

However, the Centre informed the court that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu requested a longer extension due to ongoing projects. After reviewing the situation, the Centre approved a six-month period.

With the petition dismissed, the legal challenge has now ended.

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Sukhu reminded the council that the Supreme Court’s 2011 judgment confirmed Himachal’s 7.19% entitlement under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966. He also demanded immediate release of pending dues from the Bhakra Beas Management Board and asked for a permanent Himachal representative on the board.

The Chief Minister pressed for the transfer of hydropower projects that have completed 40 years of operation. He sought full central funding for the power components of the Kishau and Renuka dam projects. He also insisted on equal electricity share for both Himachal and Uttarakhand once these projects are completed.

Sukhu urged the Centre to release nearly ₹10,000 crore pending under the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment, along with the earlier announcement of ₹1,500 crore. He further requested special permission to allot forest land for homes of families affected by disasters.

He also highlighted the need for wider air connectivity, quicker resolution of the boundary issue with Ladakh, and stronger action against drug trafficking across the state.

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