VIRBHADRA SINGH Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This writ petition has been filed by the Petitioner claiming following reliefs:

(2.) As per averments made in the writ petition, Petitioner was the Heir apparent to the "Gadi" of Princely State of Rampur Bushahr State which is now a part of State of Himachal Pradesh, after its merger in the Union of India in the year 1948. He further claims that he remained a Member of House of People from 1962 to 1983, except for a short break in 1977. After 1983, he remained as a Member of the H.P. Legislative Assembly from September, 1983. Not only this, he was also unanimously elected as Leader of the Congress Legislature Party in the State of H.P. in April, 1983 and became Chief Minister of the State.

(3.) Prior to becoming Chief Minister, Petitioner was Deputy Minister, Tourism and Civil Aviation in the Union Government in 1976-77. Thereafter, he became Minister of State for Industries from 1982 till he became the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. Again after elections, which were held in 1985 to the H.P. Legislative Assembly, he was also elected as Leader of the Congress Legislative Party. Then he became Chief Minister of H.P. He continued to be Chief Minister till 5th March, 1990.