In a significant development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab government to clarify whether its Land Pooling Policy, 2025, includes any provisions for the rehabilitation of landless labourers impacted by urban development projects. During the hearing, the State also assured the Court that no further action would be taken under the policy until the next date of hearing, scheduled for August 7, 2025.
The Punjab Land Pooling Policy, approved by the Bhagwant Mann-led government, aims to facilitate planned and sustainable urban growth by consolidating fragmented land parcels and curbing illegal colonies. Notably, the policy is based on voluntary participation by landowners (primarily farmers), distinguishing it from compulsory land acquisition schemes.
Despite its stated intent, the policy has drawn criticism from farmer unions and opposition parties, who argue that it could lead to the displacement of farmers and adversely affect agricultural livelihoods. They have labelled it a “land-grabbing scheme.”
During the proceedings, the Division Bench of Justice Anupinder Grewal and Justice Deepak Manchanda questioned the Advocate General of Punjab regarding the policy’s safeguards for landless labourers and other non-landowning individuals who depend on the land for their livelihood. The Court specifically asked whether any rehabilitation measures have been included for these vulnerable groups.
Additionally, the Court sought clarity on whether a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) or Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) had been conducted before notifying the policy. Citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Resident's Welfare Association & Anr. v. Union Territory of Chandigarh, (2023) 8 SCC 643, the Bench emphasized the need to balance sustainable development with environmental protection, reiterating the Apex Court’s recommendation that EIA studies should be mandatory before permitting urban development.
The case was brought before the Court through a petition filed by Gurdeep Singh Gill, a resident of Village Phagla in Ludhiana district. Gill, who owns 6 acres of agricultural land allotted to his father as a displaced person from Lyallpur (now in Pakistan), contended that his fertile and developed land had been included under the policy without due consideration. According to the petition, approximately 26,000 acres in Ludhiana district have been earmarked under the policy for residential and commercial projects.
The petitioner further alleged that the policy is discriminatory against small landowners. He pointed out that under Clause H(II) of the policy, a person contributing 9 acres is allotted only 3 acres for group housing, while someone contributing 50 acres receives 30 acres for plotted development. As he owns just 6 acres, Gill stands to receive only about 1 acre in return, which he claims is unjust and inequitable.
The matter will be heard next on August 7, 2025, with the State expected to file detailed responses regarding rehabilitation provisions, social and environmental assessments, and the concerns raised by the petitioner.
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