Council of Lawyers chairman Advocate Vasu Ranjan Shandilya has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking immediate flood relief for Punjab farmers and waiver of their loans in view of the widespread devastation caused by floods in the state.
Alleging discrimination in distribution of flood-related compensation, the petitioner sought the formation of a three-member special investigation team (SIT) under the high court’s supervision to look into the matter and provide relief to farmers as quickly as possible. He also demanded quashing of the Punjab government notification under which no compensation is paid for crop losses ranging from 1% and 25%.
The other demands listed in the PIL include full waiver of tractor loans and Kisan Credit Card loans, accurate assessment of losses through drone surveys and setting up of an online portal to resolve farmers’ grievances. Shandilya said the state government should present a full report before the High Court on relief work in the flood affected districts. “High Court oversight is necessary to prevent suicides by farmers,” he said.
Shandilya said this fight is about farmers’ dignity and existence. He alleged that the Punjab government has so far neither updated the girdawari records nor taken concrete steps regarding relief efforts.
“Our demand is that no farmer, out of distress, should be forced to commit suicide. Therefore, all the relief work should be carried out under the direct supervision of the high court,” said Shandilya, expressing confidence that this petition would bring justice for farmers. He said the Council of Lawyers would continue to fight selflessly for farmers’ interests.
Also read: Punjab seeks flood relief package of ₹20,000 crore
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