Punjab Land Pooling Policy Under Judicial Scanner
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has raised serious concerns regarding Punjab’s ambitious Land Pooling Policy. The court’s scrutiny focuses on the policy’s provisions for landless labourers and the apparent absence of comprehensive environmental impact assessments.
The legality of the policy is under intense judicial review. The court is particularly examining its compatibility with the existing Land Acquisition Act and the lack of mandated assessments.
In response to the court’s concerns, the Punjab government has proactively decided to temporarily suspend the policy’s implementation. This suspension will remain in effect until the next hearing.
The High Court’s intervention highlights the crucial need for meticulous planning and transparent implementation of land acquisition policies. The case’s outcome will have far-reaching implications for future land development projects across the state and potentially influence similar policies nationwide. The impact on planned infrastructure development and rural livelihoods remains a key concern as the case progresses.
