Shimla, May 7 -- Himachal Pradesh high court (HC) stayed state government's May 2 order that deemed ASHA workers ineligible to contest panchayat posts by classifying them as part-time employees. The HC granted the state government two weeks to file its response. The decision was taken during the hearing of seven pleas. The petitioners' counsel argued that ASHA workers are neither regular employees nor contractual staff; they work solely on an honorarium basis. On this premise, barring them from becoming Panchayat representatives is contrary to the law. The court observed "prima facie" that the seven petitioners holds strong merit and has stayed the impugned order until the next date of hearing. The next hearing in this matter has now been scheduled for June 1, 2026....