What Initiatives Are Being Taken by the Himachal High Court to Support Disaster Victims?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a remarkable display of compassion, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has launched a voluntary fund aimed at assisting those devastated by natural disasters. This initiative seeks to gather contributions from the legal community to help affected families rebuild their lives amidst unprecedented challenges. Learn how you can contribute and support those in need.
Key Takeaways
- Himachal Pradesh High Court has set up a voluntary fund to assist disaster victims.
- Contributions can come from legal professionals and the public.
- Justice Vivek Singh Thakur will oversee aid distribution.
- Both financial and in-kind assistance will be provided.
- The fund aims to restore hope and dignity to affected families.
Shimla, Sep 7 (NationPress) Demonstrating a compassionate approach towards fostering resilience and assisting communities affected by natural disasters, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has established a special voluntary fund, appealing to the "call of conscience" to aid those struggling to rebuild their lives.
Noting that the state is currently enduring an unprecedented tragedy due to incessant rains, cloudbursts, and landslides that have caused immeasurable destruction, leaving behind a path of loss, despair, and devastation, Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, the visionary behind the creation of the “Chief Justice Disaster Relief Fund 2025”, mentioned in a circular that several families in various districts have been displaced, homes obliterated, and livelihoods devastated.
The High Court has urged members of the judicial and legal community to make voluntary donations.
This initiative, rooted in the Legal Services Authorities Act, is being overseen by Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant, the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority.
Officials from the legal services authorities have been assigned the responsibility of identifying the most severely impacted families and regions to ensure that assistance—both monetary and in-kind, including clothing and utensils—reaches those most in need.
In a communication issued by the High Court Registrar-General on behalf of the Chief Justice, it was noted: "Every contribution, regardless of size, will be a step toward restoring hope and dignity for thousands who have lost everything."
The fund will function through a dedicated savings account at UCO Bank, High Court Complex, Shimla (Account No. 18330110060070; IFSC Code UCBA0001833), with a QR code available for direct donations.
The Registrar (Accounts) of the High Court has been designated as the nodal officer for receiving contributions, with disbursements routed through the State Legal Services Authority and District Legal Services Authorities.
Justice Vivek Singh Thakur, the senior-most judge of the High Court after CJ Sandhawalia and the Executive Chairman of the State Legal Services Authority, will oversee the relief efforts, which will include paralegal volunteers and panel attorneys at designated distribution sites across districts.
The appeal is directed at all levels of the judicial and legal framework in Himachal Pradesh—High Court judges, the Advocate-General, District and Sessions Judges, bar associations, judicial officers, and High Court Registry officials—urging active participation in the fund.
This fund exemplifies the high court’s relief initiatives in 2023, when extraordinary weather similarly displaced families and damaged infrastructure, highlighting its proactive commitment to addressing humanitarian needs alongside its judicial responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the state government has assessed damages at Rs 3,959 crore.
Currently, rainfall continues throughout the monsoon season, and the damage figures are escalating across all 12 districts of the state. The Indian Air Force has been deployed to rescue stranded pilgrims from the Manimahesh Yatra. The government is pressing for a special relief package from the Central government.
In June, 31 individuals lost their lives in the Seraj assembly constituency of Mandi district, leading to a complete cutoff of road access to all regions. Subsequently, Kullu, Kangra, Mandi, and now Chamba districts have also been severely affected. According to official figures, the death toll has reached 366 to date.
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reported on Sunday that 869 roads remain blocked, while 1,572 power supply lines and 389 water supply schemes have been disrupted.
During the Monsoon Session of the Assembly, the government passed a resolution designating the state as a national disaster-hit area in light of the unprecedented disaster circumstances.
In 2023, Himachal Pradesh suffered damages exceeding Rs 10,000 crore due to natural disasters. In 2024, Shimla and Kullu districts also faced severe natural calamities.
Point of View
I firmly believe that the Himachal Pradesh High Court's initiative reflects the core values of empathy and community support. By mobilizing resources to assist those affected by natural disasters, the court not only fulfills its judicial responsibilities but also demonstrates a commitment to societal well-being. It is essential for all sectors of society to come together in times of crisis, ensuring that no one is left behind.
NationPress
07/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How can individuals contribute to the Chief Justice Disaster Relief Fund?
Individuals can contribute to the fund through a dedicated savings account at UCO Bank or via the provided QR code for direct transfers.
What is the purpose of the Chief Justice Disaster Relief Fund?
The fund aims to provide financial and in-kind assistance to families affected by natural disasters in Himachal Pradesh.
Who is overseeing the distribution of aid?
Justice Vivek Singh Thakur will supervise the relief operations, ensuring that aid reaches the most severely impacted communities.
What types of aid will be provided to affected families?
Aid will include monetary support as well as in-kind contributions such as clothing and essential household items.
How has the state government responded to the ongoing crisis?
The state government has assessed significant damages and is actively seeking a special relief package from the Central government.
