Chandigarh: In the wake of widespread devastation caused by floods in Punjab, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court by the Council of Lawyers, urging judicial intervention to secure timely relief and compensation for farmers.
The petition, led by Advocate Vasu Ranjan Shandilya, seeks the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the direct supervision of the High Court. It requests that the committee be headed by either a sitting or retired High Court judge to ensure transparency, accountability, and swift execution of relief measures.
Court-Backed Committee Proposed to Oversee Relief
The PIL highlights the urgent need for a three-member panel to independently assess flood-related damage, oversee government relief operations, and ensure equitable distribution of compensation to affected agricultural communities.
According to Advocate Shandilya, the petition aims to prevent further tragedy in rural areas, where rising debt and repeated crop failures have pushed many farmers to the brink. “This is not just a legal battle but a humanitarian one — to stop farmer suicides and secure justice for those left behind by failed systems,” he said.
The High Court is expected to hear the matter on Thursday, with the formation of the committee likely to be a key point of deliberation.
Seven Demands Raised in the PIL
The petition outlines seven specific measures to address the immediate and long-term needs of flood-hit farmers:
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Updated Land Records: Immediate revision of Girdavari (crop damage records) to reflect the true extent of the losses.
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Compensation Under Revenue Code: Disbursement of compensation as per provisions outlined in the Punjab Revenue Code.
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Drone-Based Surveys: Use of drone technology for more accurate, verifiable damage assessments.
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Loan Relief: Waiver of Kisan Credit Card and tractor loans for farmers in flood-affected areas.
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Digital Grievance Portal: Establishment of an online platform where farmers can register complaints and track relief applications.
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Strengthened Relief Measures: Deployment of relief resources in severely impacted districts including Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Tarn Taran, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana.
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Status Report Submission: A detailed action report from the Punjab Government to be submitted before the High Court, outlining steps taken and pending tasks.
Advocates Call for Urgent Action
Advocate Shandilya expressed concern that despite the magnitude of the crisis, government’s response has been slow and inconsistent. He specifically criticized the failure to update Girdavari records, which he said has delayed compensation and sowed confusion among the farming community.
The Council of Lawyers pledged to continue advocating for farmers without political or financial interest, stating that their legal intervention was a matter of conscience and commitment to justice.
With many farmers facing economic ruin due to crop loss and loan burdens, the PIL aims to catalyze meaningful policy action before despair leads to irreversible consequences in rural Punjab.
