Kirron Kher served ₹12.7-lakh notice for unpaid government house licence fee

Former BJP MP from Chandigarh, Kirron Kher, has received a notice from the Office of the Chandigarh Assistant Controller (F&A) Rents over unpaid licence fee dues of ₹12.76 lakh for a government-allotted house. The notice pertains to House No. T-6/23 in Sector 7, Chandigarh, where Kher resided during her tenure as a Member of Parliament.

According to officials, the outstanding amount includes heavy penalties ranging from 100 to 200 times the original fee due to delayed payments. The notice, dated June 24, 2025, was sent to Kher’s residence at House No. 65, Sector 8-A, asking her to clear the dues without delay. In case of further delay, a 12% annual interest will be charged on the pending amount.

Licence fee rules for government houses

The central government allots residential accommodation to Members of Parliament (MPs) and government employees from its general pool or departmental pools. A nominal licence fee is charged annually, which is significantly lower than the prevailing market rent. This system is meant to provide MPs with affordable official residences during their term in office.

In Kher’s case, officials stated that the large penalty amount is due to the accumulation of charges over time, along with interest and fines. The Chandigarh administration has directed her to settle the payment either via demand draft or bank transfer after contacting the cashier’s office for exact details.

The notice has sparked public attention since Kher, a popular Bollywood actor and politician, is known for her active role in city affairs during her tenure.

Appeal for leniency on humanitarian grounds

Local Congress president Harmohinder Singh Lucky has appealed to the Chandigarh administration to consider waiving or reducing the penalty, citing Kher’s health issues during the later part of her tenure. He said, “Due to her poor health, strict penalties seem unfair. Not everything should be viewed purely through a financial lens. We should also consider humanitarian factors in such situations.”

Kher, who has battled health challenges in recent years, was less active in public events toward the end of her parliamentary term. Some political observers believe that the administration may review her case sympathetically if a formal request for waiver is submitted.

The issue has also triggered debates among local residents and activists about the equal enforcement of rules. Many have questioned whether the administration will treat Kher’s case with the same strictness as it does with ordinary citizens.

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Some activists pointed out that the Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) has previously taken tough actions against defaulters living in Dhanas rehabilitation flats, as well as against vendors in the city’s furniture market, without offering any leniency. They argue that similar standards should apply to all, regardless of political position or popularity.

As per the terms outlined in the notice, failure to clear the dues could lead to additional penalties and legal action. The 12% annual interest on the outstanding amount could further inflate the dues if not paid soon. Officials have clarified that such actions are routine and not specifically targeted at Kher.

An official from the administration, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “The notice is part of the standard process for recovering dues from all former MPs or government employees who have stayed in official accommodation. The rules are the same for everyone.”

Government’s stance on licence fee recovery

The recovery of licence fees from former MPs and officials is a nationwide exercise carried out by the central government. Each year, the administration reviews pending dues to ensure that all government-allotted houses are either vacated or the dues are cleared as per policy.

In this context, Kher’s case is seen as part of the regular recovery process. However, due to her public profile, the issue has gained more attention than usual. The Chandigarh administration is expected to review the case if Kher or her representatives submit a formal request for reconsideration.

Kirron Kher, a well-known film actor, entered politics with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and represented Chandigarh as a Member of Parliament. During her term, she actively worked on city development issues, including women’s welfare, beautification projects, and infrastructure upgrades.

However, her health issues in the later years of her tenure limited her participation in public events. Despite this, she remains a respected figure among many residents of the city.

What lies ahead

The next steps will depend on whether Kher decides to clear the dues immediately or seek a waiver on humanitarian grounds. If the penalty waiver is not granted, she will have to pay the entire ₹12.76 lakh to avoid additional interest or potential legal complications.

City residents are keenly watching how the administration handles this matter. Many see it as a test of fairness and equal treatment, especially in comparison to how ordinary citizens face strict penalties for even minor defaults.