CHANDIGARH, July 29 — A public interest litigation (PIL) filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court has sought to strike down the Punjab government’s newly notified land pooling policy, arguing that it bypasses statutory safeguards and threatens the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
The PIL, filed by social activists Naveender PK Singh and Samita Kaur through advocates Sahir Singh Virk and V.B. Godara, challenges the July 4 policy notification, accusing the state of using the policy as an “indirect and illegal method of land acquisition” without complying with the provisions of the central Land Acquisition Act.
“The policy facilitates large-scale acquisition of fertile, multi-crop agricultural land in Ludhiana and Mohali under the guise of urbanisation and development,” the petition states. It further claims that over 24,000 acres of farmland across more than 50 villages in Ludhiana are being targeted, with an additional 21,000 acres earmarked for industrial expansion.
The petition argues that the policy violates the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (LARR Act), particularly Sections 4, 8, and 10. These provisions mandate environmental and social impact assessments and prohibit acquisition of fertile farmland except in exceptional situations.
“Punjab’s agricultural land is not only critical for sustaining farmer livelihoods, but also for ensuring national food security,” the plea reads, adding that the policy fails to provide fair compensation or proper rehabilitation for affected families.
The petitioners also asked the court to review and quash the foundational 2013 land pooling policy, describing it as legally deficient and lacking in transparency.
Despite widespread protests and affidavits submitted by over 1,600 landowners opposing the scheme, state authorities — particularly the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) — continue to press ahead with acquisition, the petition alleges.
“Media reports have documented discrepancies between the government’s claims and the reality on the ground,” it adds, accusing the state of ignoring grassroots resistance to the project.
The PIL urges the court to nullify both the July 4 policy and the earlier 2013 framework, and to bar the Punjab government from proceeding with any land pooling efforts until it complies fully with the procedures mandated under central legislation.
The High Court is expected to hear the matter in the coming days.
