Supreme Court Stays Himachal High Court Order for FIR Against Kullu Officials in 'Rave Party' Case

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed an order of the Himachal Pradesh High Court that had directed the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) against the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Kullu district. The High Court had alleged their connivance in allowing rave parties in the Parvati Valley.

A three-judge bench presided by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, was hearing appeals filed by the two officials challenging the June 24 High Court order. The bench, however, declined to interfere with the High Court's direction to transfer the officials.

Senior Advocate Madhavi Divan, appearing for the officials, argued that the High Court had passed the order without giving the officers an opportunity to respond to a report by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Kullu. She also contended that the events in question were not rave parties but 'rock concerts'.