In Brief
The State of Himachal Pradesh appealed against a High Court order that had disposed of a writ petition filed by respondents claiming to be engaged as chowkidars since 1996. The High Court had simply applied an earlier precedent (Roshan Lal) without examining the specific facts of this case or obtaining the State's counter-affidavit. The Supreme Court allowed the appeal, set aside the High Court's order, and restored the writ petition for fresh hearing. The Court directed the State to file its counter-affidavit within four weeks, ensuring both parties could present their positions for a properly considered judgment.">
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