Himachal CM hails SC order for Oberoi Group to vacate Wildflower Hall

23 Feb 2024 CW Team

The prolonged legal dispute spanning two decades between East India Hotels (EIH) of the Oberoi Group and the Himachal government regarding Wildflower Hall Luxury Hotel concluded as the Supreme Court affirmed the Himachal Pradesh High Court's decision. The Supreme Court instructed EIH to vacate the premises and hand over possession of the hotel to the state government by March 2025. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, in a statement issued, expressed satisfaction with the apex court's ruling, hailing it as a favourable outcome.

Sukhu credited the "favourable" decision to the careful efforts of the state government in presenting the case effectively, with the assistance of renowned lawyer Mukul Rohatgi. "The result of this verdict demonstrates the government's unwavering commitment to safeguard the interests of Himachal," he remarked.

The Oberoi Group had held control of the prestigious property near Mashobra, Shimla, for several years. However, the Supreme Court has now mandated their evacuation within a year, Sukhu mentioned.

A solitary bench of the Himachal High Court, presided over by Justice Satyen Vaidya, issued orders on November 17, 2023, permitting the state government to assume control of the property. Subsequently, the government promptly took charge of the hotel.

Nevertheless, the high court later suspended its order upon EIH's appeal and directed the government not to intervene in the day-to-day operations of the hotel.

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