The supreme court gave its decision in the long – standing dispute regarding the validity of the amendments introduced by the State of Haryana to the Punjab Village Common Lands (Regulations) Act, 1961 through the Haryana Amendment Act, 1992.
The controversy arose from the provisions of the Amendment Act, 1992 mainly from Section 2(g)(4) and 2(g)(6) which expands the meaning and scope of “shamlat Deh” lands and brings certain parts of the lands under the ownership of Gram Panchayats. Landowners objected these provisions saying that their private land was being wrongly taken away.
A full bench of the Punjab & Haryana High Court had earlier struck down the amendments. Bench was of the opinion that the changes were beyond the limits of land reform, thereby holding it ultra vires Article 31 – A of the Constitution. In the High Courts view, the amendments were unlawfully expropriated private property.
On appeal, the Supreme Court looked closely at Article 31 -A of the Constitution and held that land reforms help distribute land fairly, protection of village resources, and enhance farming system. The Court held that giving village land to local Panchayats is allowed as it serves the community and goes along with the Directive Principle of the State Policy, which guide the government to work for social welfare and protect natural resources.
The bench held that any law giving village land to Panchayats are constitutional and valid as long as it is made to help the community in protecting its natural resources, and achieving land reforms, rather than unlawfully taking away their property.
This judgment is a crucial pronouncement as it upholds the legislative scheme enacted by the State of Haryana, fortifies administrative authority of the Gram, makes sure such land is used for welfare purpose. The decision reflects that Supreme Court has always supported land reforms under Article 31 – A of the constitution and emphasizes the Courts commitment reconciling individual property rights with the constitutional mandate of distributive justice and the Directive Principles of State Policy.
Case Details:
- Case Law: State of Haryana v. Jai Singh and Ors.
- Civil Appeal No.: 6990 of 2014
- Citation: 2025 INSC 1122
- Judgement Date: 16th September 2025
- Bench: Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Sandeep Mehta
Click HERE to read the full judgment.
Written By: Anushka Singh
Lawcutor 