Shimla, Feb. 22 -- The Himachal Pradesh high court has stayed the recovery notice issued by the block development officer (BDO), Rampur, seeking repayment of disaster relief funds from affected individuals in Kyao village.

Justice Ranjan Sharma on February 19 granted interim relief, saying, "The court, at this stage, is of the considered view, that the interim protection needs to be accorded to the petitioner."

The high court said, "The state authorities, including block development officer, Rampur, district Shimla, shall not effect recovery of released amount to the petitioner, in pursuance to notice dated February 4 till further orders." The high court has directed the state government to file a response within four weeks.

The petiti...