The President approves a Himachal Bill that protects public officials from unjustified arrests.

• The Himachal Pradesh Police (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was passed by the Congress-ruled Assembly on December 20, 2024.

• The Bill, opposed by BJP members, aims to protect corrupt government officials.

• State legislation is examined for inconsistency with Central laws, deviation from national policy, and legal and constitutional validity.

• The Bill amends Section 65 of the Himachal Pradesh Police Act, 2007 to prohibit arrest of public servants without government sanction.

• Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized the Bill’s aim to allow public servants to discharge their duties fearlessly.

• The Supreme Court ruled on judicial intervention in legislative bills and prescribed a three-month timeline for President to decide on referred bills.