The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday appealed to litigants not to press for immediate judicial intervention in matters concerning the ongoing floods in Punjab, cautioning that such steps could obstruct relief operations on the ground.
A division bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry, while hearing three separate petitions, observed that disaster management teams and the Army were already engaged in extensive operations. “Disaster relief teams are there, the army is there, everybody is working hard. Please don’t cause any obstruction. The moment we issue a notice, some people will be pulled out of that disaster management and will have to prepare a reply for these petitions. We don’t want that,” the bench remarked.
On September 2, the court had earlier deferred the hearing on a PIL seeking urgent directions for relief and rehabilitation, citing the risk of hindering relief work. One petition filed by Fazilka-based lawyer Shubham sought implementation of minimum standards of relief and rehabilitation under Section 12 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. He also requested a special girdawari of flood-hit villages and time-bound compensation for farmers, households, small traders, and livestock owners.
Another PIL filed by Mohali resident Naveender PK Singh alleged that water had been released in an “unscientific manner” without proper warning, leading to widespread flooding. The petition sought a judicial probe into the incident, punitive action against responsible officials, and constitution of an expert panel to prevent recurrence of such disasters.
Despite persistent demands from petitioners that notices be issued to the state, Centre, and Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), the court urged patience. “Accountability can be sought, but there is a time for that also… hold your hands till crisis is over,” the bench advised, while expressing surprise that lawyers were pressing for intervention amid the volatile flood situation rather than seeking a deferred hearing.
Punjab Advocate General Maninderjit Singh Bedi also informed the bench that similar proceedings were pending before the Supreme Court, which were “quite comprehensive” and covered most aspects of the flood situation.
While refraining from issuing notices, the High Court directed the Punjab government and its functionaries to file affidavits within five weeks—after the crisis subsides. “An earnest request was made by this court to the petitioners to hold their hands till the crisis on the ground is over… but the petitioners insist that notice be issued. Instead of issuing notice, the court directs the state of Punjab and its functionaries to file an affidavit, but only after the crisis in the flood situation is over,” the bench ordered.
