In a significant blow to the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a temporary suspension on the state’s recently announced Land Pooling Policy 2025.

The decision came after Ludhiana-based advocate Gurdeep Singh Gill filed a legal challenge questioning the legality and constitutional validity of the policy. He argued that the government bypassed mandatory procedures such as environmental and social impact assessments before launching the policy.

"The High Court has issued an interim stay on the land pooling initiative. The government was required to conduct both environmental and social impact studies and engage with local governing bodies like Gram Panchayats, but failed to do so," Advocate Gurjeet Singh Gill, representing the petitioner, told the media. The court has now given the state four weeks to respond to the petition.

Previously, the court had also raised concerns over the absence of provisions addressing the rehabilitation of landless labourers and the lack of a formal social impact study.

Gill's petition seeks to cancel the policy notification issued on June 24, calling it an example of “colourable legislation” that infringes upon fundamental rights. He further claimed that only the Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development Act of 1995 provides the legitimate basis for such a policy, not the current framework used by the government.

Another key argument was that the 2013 Land Acquisition Act does not offer a formal appeal route against such policies, thereby denying affected individuals a proper legal recourse.

Political Opposition and Farmer Backlash

The Land Pooling Policy has faced strong resistance from political circles and agricultural groups. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal lashed out at the AAP government, calling the policy a “land-grab” scheme designed to benefit private builders.

Badal alleged that a secret Rs 30,000 crore deal had been made between the state government and developers from Delhi to facilitate the transfer of agricultural land. He announced a sustained protest movement beginning September 1 in Mohali, vowing to continue until the policy is scrapped.

The AAP government, however, maintains that the policy is in the best interest of farmers. According to official sources, landowners contributing to the pooling process will receive developed plots: 1,000 square yards for residential use and 200 square yards for commercial use for every acre of land pooled.

Despite reassurances, critics continue to raise concerns about lack of transparency, consultation, and legal safeguards for stakeholders.