Shimla, June 22 -- The delay in appointment of Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) chief and members was with a "mala fide purpose", observed the Himachal Pradesh high court while hearing a public interest litigation on the delay in these appointments.

Pulling up the state government over the delay, on Friday, the high court directed it to issue notification for the post of chairman and other members by June 25. The court has also imposed a fine of Rs.5 lakh on the government.

"....after the recommendation was sent, the office of RERA has been relocated to Dharamshala on June 13, 2025, without even identifying the alternative office place. We are also of the prima facie opinion that the whole purpose of dragging of the appointments ...