Shimla, Dec. 10 -- Himachal Pradesh High Court has sought a comprehensive report from the state government on the procedure being followed for issuing agriculturist certificates, directing the authorities to clarify how they ascertain whether applicants are agriculturists in the true legal sense.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj passed the directions while hearing a public interest matter concerning alleged misuse of such certificates.
The court took note of the affidavit filed by the Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue), which cited a 2010 instruction mandating verification of land usage, spot inspection by revenue officials, and confirmation of whether the applicant person...