SHIMLA: The Himachal High Court has taken a strict stand on the deteriorating condition of the 138-year-old Rashtrapati Nivas, popularly known as the Viceregal Lodge or the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), which stands as one of Shimla’s most iconic heritage landmarks.
Expressing deep displeasure over the crumbling state of the structure, a division bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C. Negi noted that gross negligence has been shown in preserving the building. The court remarked that the landmark, which was dedicated to higher education and research by the then President Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, reflects a failure on the part of the Union Ministry of Education in fulfilling its responsibilities.
During the hearing, the bench reviewed an inspection report submitted by the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Shimla. The inspection revealed that the main public entrance of the building is in poor condition, and deep cracks have developed across several walls. The roof, staircases, railings, and flooring are also damaged at multiple places.
An affidavit placed before the court stated that the historic building, constructed in 1888, has never undergone a comprehensive, large-scale renovation since its inception. The court termed this state of affairs highly alarming.
The proceedings further revealed that the Union Ministry of Education had approved a revised budget of ₹66.38 crore in 2019 for the preservation and repair of the property. Under this project, renovation work on the kitchen wing commenced in August 2020. While ₹6.49 crore has been spent on this phase so far, only 68 per cent of the work was completed by August 2025. The High Court questioned the sluggish pace of the project, stating that delays in conserving such a vital heritage site are a serious matter.
Consequently, the High Court has directed the Central Government, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), the IIAS administration, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to file separate, detailed affidavits.
The court has specifically sought information on whether an inventory was prepared for the antique weapons, historic artifacts, and artworks removed from the building, along with details of where these items are currently stored.
Additionally, the bench was informed that a tender for consultancy services has been issued to create a uniform heritage design and implementation framework for Shimla’s historic Mall Road. The case is scheduled for its next hearing on August 20, 2026.
