A major controversy has erupted following seven resolutions passed by the village panchayat in Katani Kalan village in Ludhiana, Punjab. One of these resolutions directs migrant laborers and tenants to vacate their rented homes and prohibits renting shops to non-locals.
These resolutions have now been challenged in the Punjab and Haryana High Court through a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by local resident Soumya Gupta.
Next hearing on October 17th
The High Court has issued notices to the Punjab government and other respondents. Additional Advocate General Saurabh Verma accepted the notice and sought time to comply with the directives. The next hearing in the case will be held on October 17th. Petitioners Soumya Gupta and 15 others pleaded for immediate protective and preventive measures to protect life, liberty, dignity, and property.
The petitioners also demanded direct action against the Katani Kalan Panchayat resolution, calling it illegal and discriminatory.
Migrants are directed to vacate their homes by October 15th.
According to the petitioner’s husband, Kulwinder Mattoo, the Panchayat has exceeded its jurisdiction by passing decisions that directly affect the livelihoods and rights of hundreds of families. He said, “The Panchayat decided that by October 15th, all tenants—whether migrant or Punjabi—must vacate their rented accommodations.
It also decided that no shops should be rented to migrant laborers. Such proposals are unconstitutional and violate the right to life and liberty.”