High Court Stays Controversial Land Pooling Policy in Punjab

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has intervened to temporarily halt the Punjab government's land pooling policy following a petition from Gurdeep Singh Gill. The policy, lacking social and environmental assessments, faced a legal challenge for being unconstitutional. Critics, including opposition leaders, view the stay as a victory.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a temporary stay on the Punjab government's land pooling policy, effective for four weeks, following a legal challenge by Gurdeep Singh Gill. The court scheduled September 10 for the next hearing. Petitioner's advocate, Gurjeet Singh, highlighted the absence of required social and environmental assessments under the policy framework.

The petition alleged that the policy exceeds state authority and bypasses the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. The policy is said to be legislated under the Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development Act, 1995. Critics argue the policy grossly disregards legal procedures by not consulting local governance bodies.

The opposition, including Congress and SAD leaders, applauded the court's intervention. They argue the policy serves Delhi-based corporate interests at Punjab's expense. The stay is seen as a protective measure for Punjab's fertile land and a step toward holding the government accountable for bypassing established legal norms.

(With inputs from agencies.)