Expressing serious concern over the alleged organization of rave parties in Himachal Pradesh's Kasol area despite prior warnings, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered the transfer of three district-level officers, directed registration of an FIR, and called for the constitution of a Special Investigating Team (SIT) to probe the matter.
The Division Bench observed that the events appeared to have continued only because of administrative failure and said the matter required a high-level investigation into the role of the concerned officials and organizers.
Background of the Case
The order was passed in a batch of connected public interest matters dealing with drug abuse and illegal activities in Himachal Pradesh, including a suo motu public interest litigation concerning alleged rave parties in Kasol, Jibhi, Manali and other tourist destinations.
The Court noted that in July 2025 it had already sought detailed information from the State regarding rave parties, including the number of FIRs, identification of organizers, and action against properties allegedly linked to such events. It had also questioned whether authorities were effectively tackling drug-related offences despite claiming success through the "Drug-Free Himachal App."
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Court Examined Reports on Kasol Event
The Bench referred to reports placed before it regarding an event held at Green Forest-I and Green Forest-II near Kasol between June 7 and June 11, 2026.
According to the material before the Court, the venue had permission for sound systems, even though a police report had warned that the isolated location, expected gathering of thousands of people, and limited police manpower created a risk that narcotic drugs and other unlawful activities could not be ruled out.
The inspection report submitted by the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), stated that the venue contained temporary camps, a large stage, CCTV cameras, liquor bottles, cigarette remains and rolling papers. The report also recorded that two tourists were apprehended in separate FIRs with alleged possession of cocaine and LSD, while the death of a foreign national DJ was under investigation and the final medical opinion was awaited.
Court's Observations
The High Court was critical of the conduct of the district administration.
The Bench observed,
"The present case is a classical case of abject surrender by the Deputy Commissioner, Kullu, and the Superintendent of Police."
It further held that if the Vacation Bench had not intervened on June 9, 2026, the event would likely have continued until its scheduled conclusion.
The Court also noted that although the Deputy Superintendent of Police had flagged the possibility of drug consumption and other unlawful activities before the event, permission was still granted. In the Bench's view, the subsequent police action appeared to have been taken only after judicial intervention.
"The above sequence of events is sufficient to show that had there not been an intervention by the Vacation Bench... the party would have merrily continued,"
the Court observed while examining the affidavits filed by the authorities.
The judges further remarked that parties involving thousands of participants and charging substantial entry fees constituted commercial ventures. They said the circumstances warranted an investigation into whether there had been any tacit permission or collusion by public officials in permitting the events.
Court's Decision
Allowing the matter to proceed further, the High Court directed the State Government to transfer the Deputy Commissioner, Kullu, the Superintendent of Police, Kullu, and the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate within one week.
The Court also ordered the State to register the necessary FIR, constitute a Special Investigating Team headed by an officer not below the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police, initiate departmental proceedings against the three officers, and post an IPS-rank Superintendent of Police in Kullu to be part of the SIT.
The matter has been listed for compliance on August 6, 2026.
Case Details:
Case Title: Deshinder Khanna vs. State of H.P. and Others (along with connected matters)
Case Number: CWP No. 83 of 2018 with CWPIL Nos. 13 of 2015, 27 of 2017, 28 of 2021 & 53 of 2025; CWP Nos. 5542 of 2022 and 359 of 2019
Judge: Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C. Negi
Decision Date: 24 June 2026
