High Court Directs Punjab Govt to Act on Flood Relief PIL

October 1, 2025

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday heard a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Council of Lawyers regarding the large-scale damage caused by recent floods in Punjab.

Arguments were presented from both sides on issues related to compensation and relief measures for affected farmers.

Court Directions

After hearing the matter, the court directed the Punjab government and other concerned authorities to take prompt action on the representations made in the petition.

The PIL had sought the formation of a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by a serving or retired High Court judge, to supervise damage assessment and relief distribution.

Petitioners’ Stand

Advocates Vasu Ranjan Shandilya, Abhishek Malhotra, and Ishan Bhardwaj stated that while the petition has been disposed of, the government has been ordered to act. They added that if no steps are taken, they will approach the court again. The primary purpose of the PIL is to ensure accurate evaluation of flood damage, effective relief monitoring, and timely compensation to affected farmers.

Key Demands in the Petition

• Update Girdawari Records: Immediate updating of land records to assess crop loss.

• Fair Compensation: Farmers to be compensated under the Punjab Revenue Code.

• Drone Survey: Conduct drone-based surveys for accurate damage assessment.

• Loan Waiver: Waiver of tractor and Kisan Credit Card loans for flood-hit farmers.

• Grievance Redressal Portal: A dedicated online platform for farmers to register complaints.

• Relief Measures: Implementation of effective relief efforts in affected districts including Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Tarn Taran, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana.

• Action Taken Report: Submission of a detailed report by the Punjab government to the High Court.

‘A Crucial Fight for Farmers’

Advocate Vasu Ranjan Shandilya, President of the Council of Lawyers, described the petition as an essential battle to safeguard farmers from desperation and possible suicides.

He criticized the government’s failure to update land records and provide concrete relief measures, saying this compelled them to file the petition.

Shandilya expressed confidence that the High Court would ensure justice for the farmers, adding that the Council of Lawyers would continue its fight in the farmers’ interest, without any self-gain.