Shimla, June 2 -- The Himachal Pradesh high court taking suo motu cognisance of the demolition of the historic gate of the US Club in Shimla for road widening, issued notices to the state government and the Municipal Corporation, Shimla. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chander Negi had taken suo motu notice on the basis of reports in sections of media pointing out that the iconic US Club gate had been pulled down during a road-widening exercise. The court observed that the structure, built of wood and stone with a traditional slate roof, was located nearly 500 metres from The Ridge and could qualify as a heritage structure. The Bench noted that even if dismantling was required for widening the road, efforts should have been made to preserve and restore its original components before reconstructing the gate in the same design and architectural style. The court was apprised that the demolition was carried out by the Public Works Department and MC, Shimla. Expressing concern over the loss of a structure associated with Shimla's colonial heritage, the court sought a status report explaining the circumstances that led to the "drastic action". Notices have been issued to the secretary, PWD, and the municipal commissioner, Shimla, while listing the case for July 29....