Migrant Labours From UP, Bihar Allegedly Asked To Leave Punjab Village By Passing Panchayat Resolution, High Court Seeks State's Response

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has asked the Punjab Government counsel to seek instructions on a plea filed seeking action against an alleged Panchayat resolution passed by a village in Kharar, Punjab, asking migrant laborers from UP, Bihar and Rajasthan to leave the village and directing others to socially boycott them.

Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Anil Kshetarpal said, "Since the PIL is based on the articles dated 01.08.2024 published in the Hindustan Times...and News-18 Online.., learned State counsel is directed to seek instructions and file reply, if so advised."

Vaibhav Vats, an Advocate by profession had filed a PIL seeking direction against the alleged "arbitrary and unlawful actions of the gram panchayat of Mundho Sangtian village, Tehsil Kharar, District S.A.S. Nagar, which passed a resolution barring migrant laborers from residing in the village, using common resources, and accessing local shops. "

"This resolution affecting approximately 300 migrant citizens, promotes racial hatred and social ostracism, violating their fundamental rights under Articles 14. 19, and 21 of the Constitution of India," he added in the plea.

The petition further stated that despite the evident violations, the Punjab Government has taken no action against the gram panchayat members. 

Vats also relied on a news article published on August 01, which stated that, the resolution of Panchayat specifies" that migrants will be denied rental accommodation in the village. Existing migrant residents have been given a few days' timeframe to vacate the village. According to reports, there are currently five families renting homes in the village, comprising approximately 15 to 20 individuals."

After hearing the submissions, the Court noted that, "This Public Interest Litigation (PIL) raises the alleged public cause that certain migrant labourers, who originally belong to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan and are presently residing at village Mundo Sangatiyan, Kurali, District Mohali, Punjab, have been ostracized from the said village."

"The PIL further alleges that a resolution has been passed by the Gram Panchayat of the said village to that extent", it noted further.

Directing the state counsel to seek instruction and file reply if required, the Court deferred the matter to August 22.

Mr. Angrej Singh Sarwara, Advocate, for the petitioner.

Mr. Saurav Khurana, Additional Advocate General, Punjab.

Title: Vaibhav Vats v. State of Punjab and others

Click here to read/download the order