SC Criticises Punjab Over SYL Canal Land Issue

SC Criticises Punjab Over SYL Canal Land Issue

Why in the News ?

The Supreme Court has called Punjab’s denotification of SYL canal land an act of “high-handedness”, stressing it violated prior status quo orders and affected Haryana’s water rights. It urged Punjab, Haryana, and Centre to seek a mutual resolution.

Background of the SYL Canal Dispute :

• The Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal stems from a 1981 water-sharing agreement between Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
• In 2004, Punjab enacted the Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, unilaterally nullifying the pact.
• A Constitution Bench in 2016 struck down the Act, calling it unconstitutional.
• The Supreme Court had earlier asked Punjab to maintain status quo and complete the canal.

SC’s Criticism and Legal Observations

• Punjab’s denotification of canal land and return to farmers was called “high-handed” by the court.
• A 2017 order had barred changes to land related to the project.
• The Union Home Secretary, Punjab’s Chief Secretary, and DGP were earlier appointed as Receivers to monitor ground status.
• The SC clarified that status quo applies only to land needed for the main SYL canal, not Punjab’s internal canals.

Court’s Direction and Future Course

• The SC urged cooperation between Punjab, Haryana, and the Centre for an amicable resolution.
• It warned that if no consensus is reached, next hearing will be held on August 13, 2025.
• The SC reminded Punjab of its obligation from the 2002 ruling, which required canal completion in a year.
• The dispute stems from Haryana’s 1996 original suit, where SC ruled in Haryana’s favour.