Shimla, Sept. 2 -- The Himachal Pradesh assembly on Monday passed the Himachal Pradesh Prohibition of Change of Public Utilities Bill, 2025, aimed at safeguarding public utilities from encroachment and unauthorised alterations.

The legislation makes it illegal for anyone to reclaim land once it has been allocated for public use. District deputy commissioners will be empowered to act against such claims, either suo motu or on the basis of complaints. Violators may face up to six months' imprisonment, a fine of Rs.10,000, or both. Importantly, any past orders issued by courts or other authorities in favour of such claims will stand invalid.

According to the bill's statement of objects and reasons, many public utilities-such as roads, cana...