SHIMLA: In a major relief to thousands of devotees, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has quashed a permanent ban imposed on the famous annual Kinner Kailash Yatra by the Powari Gram Panchayat in Kinnaur district. Following the court’s order, the pilgrimage will continue uninterrupted as per its original schedule.
Hearing the matter, Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua made it clear that a Gram Panchayat lacks any legal authority or jurisdiction to halt a sacred pilgrimage that has been celebrated for centuries.
The court highlighted that the Kinner Kailash Yatra is organized under strict protocols framed by a high-level committee comprising the state government and the local administration. Consequently, a local panchayat has no locus standi to interfere in these arrangements, nor does it hold the power to dissolve registered societies associated with the event.
The bench noted that an ancient tradition tied to the faith of lakhs of devotees across the country cannot be disrupted by a panchayat-level decision. Taking strong note of the situation, the High Court directed the district administration and relevant officials to ensure the smooth, safe, and secure conduct of the Yatra while strictly adhering to safety protocols.
The court also sternly restrained the Powari Panchayat from causing any hindrance, obstruction, or interference in the pilgrimage. Following the ruling, the local administration has stepped up security measures and facility management along the trek route. The Kinner Kailash Yatra commenced this year on July 1 and is scheduled to continue until July 30.
Trouble began on July 13, 2026, when the Powari Panchayat passed a resolution declaring a permanent ban on the Yatra. During a special Gram Sabha meeting, 112 members voted against continuing the pilgrimage, while 62 voted in its favor. Citing the majority vote, the panchayat announced a lifelong ban on the Yatra.
In addition to banning the pilgrimage, the panchayat illegally ordered the dissolution of the “Shri Prakashankara Kinner Kailash Yatra Society,” a registered organization managing the event. The High Court declared this move entirely unlawful.
The court has directed all respondents to file their formal replies in the matter and fixed August 10 as the next date of hearing. Until then, the pilgrimage will go on without any interruption under the direct supervision of the administration.
