The Punjab and Haryana High Court has, for the time being, refrained from issuing directions on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking immediate relief and rehabilitation measures for flood-affected citizens under Section 12 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The petition had prayed for essential facilities including food, drinking water, sanitation, medical aid, shelter, and lighting for victims across Punjab and Haryana.
A Division Bench led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Yashvir Singh Rathor orally observed that issuing interim orders at this stage may disrupt ongoing relief operations. “The moment we pass an order, their energy will be diverted from helping to filing reply. They will pull out an officer and he will be sitting on the desk and filing reply instead of working for the flood victims,” the Bench remarked.
The Court noted deficiencies in the petition and directed the petitioner to file “better particulars” to substantiate the claims. During arguments, counsel for the petitioner stressed that the States are constitutionally bound to provide rehabilitation but ground-level aid had not reached the victims. Referring to reports of over 29 deaths caused by the floods, the Chief Justice observed, “That by itself doesn’t show that the government machinery is not working. Disaster management must be doing its job.”
The PIL was filed by Advocate Shubham, represented by Advocate Angrej Singh, in the aftermath of the devastating floods that struck Punjab and adjoining regions of Haryana between 25 and 29 August 2025, impacting thousands of residents and causing extensive property loss.
Among other reliefs, the petitioner sought the constitution of a Court-monitored Oversight Committee to supervise implementation of rehabilitation measures and submit periodic reports. Directions were also sought for Punjab to conduct a special girdawari (survey) of affected villages and release compensation to farmers, households, small traders, and livestock owners. Additionally, the plea requested that the Union Government, along with NDMA, CWC, BBMB, and IMD, activate and disclose Emergency Action Plans for Pong and Bhakra reservoirs as mandated under the Dam Safety Act, 2021.
The matter has been adjourned, with the Court reiterating that the priority for authorities must remain on providing relief to affected communities rather than diverting resources into litigation at this juncture.
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