National/ Punjab Desk
07 August 2025
Tv10punjab
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has temporarily stopped the implementation of the Punjab Government’s Land Pooling Policy. This decision came during a hearing on a petition filed against the policy. The court did not agree with the explanations given by the Punjab Government and ordered a stay on the policy for now.
The court has asked the state government to reply within four weeks and explain its stand. The petition against the Land Pooling Policy claims that it goes against the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (commonly called the Land Acquisition Act 2013).
During the hearing, the court raised some important questions. It asked whether the government had studied the environmental and social impact before launching this policy. The court also wanted to know if any plans were made for the rehabilitation of landless workers and other people who depend on the land for their livelihood.
The petition was filed by Gurdeep Singh Gill, who argued that the Land Pooling Policy is not legally sound. He also highlighted the negative effects it might have on landowners, especially those living in Fagla village in Ludhiana, where this policy is planned to be applied.
The court has now directed the government to clearly state whether social and environmental impact assessments were conducted before starting this policy. Until the court hears a detailed response, the policy has been put on hold.
This ruling is important as it questions the way land-related development policies are made and whether people affected by such policies are being heard and protected.