Former Shimla Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi has been directed to pay Rs 1.8 lakh as penal rent for continuing to occupy the official residence designated for the district police chief. Gandhi, who relinquished his charge as Shimla SSP on February 7 and is now posted as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of traffic, tourism, and railways, stated that he had not vacated the premises because no alternative government accommodation had been allotted to him. He also claimed he had not received any notice regarding the matter.
Legal Framework and Violation
Under the Himachal Pradesh Allotment of Government Residences (General Pool) Rules, 1994, an officer must vacate their official accommodation within one month of relinquishing charge. Gandhi’s permissible retention period ended on March 6, making his continued occupation from March 7 unauthorized. Despite a formal vacation notice issued on May 12, the premises were not vacated. According to Rule 18A of the rules, damage charges of Rs 18 per square foot per month have been levied, resulting in total dues of Rs 1.8 lakh up to May 31. This amount includes over Rs 1.3 lakh for March and April and nearly Rs 51,000 for May.
Penalties and Recovery Measures
In an official communication, the Director General of Police (DGP) ordered the immediate payment of the dues or recovery from Gandhi's salary. The notice warned that monthly penalties would continue to accrue until the residence is vacated. It also cautioned about possible eviction proceedings under the Public Premises Act and directed Gandhi to vacate the premises at the earliest. Gandhi, however, maintained his stance, emphasizing that he had not been provided with any alternative government housing.
