Shimla, May 6 -- Granting interim relief to ASHA workers, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has stayed the state government's May 2, 2026, communication that had declared them ineligible to contest Panchayat elections by classifying them as part-time employees.

The order came while hearing a petition filed by seven ASHA workers in Reena Devi & Others vs State of Himachal Pradesh, challenging their disqualification under provisions of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1994.

A division bench observed that a prima facie case was made out in favour of the petitioners and ordered that the impugned communication dated May 2 be stayed till further orders. The Court has listed the matter for further hearing on June 1, 2026, and granted the...