NEW DELHI—Acting on an urgent application moved by Haryana government against passing the Satluj-Yamuna Link Canal Land (Transfer of Proprietary Rights) Act by the Punjab government, the Supreme Court today issued an interim order to Punjab government to maintain status quo on the contentious SYL-Canal issue. The apex court in its interim order also appointed Union Home Secretary and Punjab’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) as the ‘joint receiver’ of land and other property meant for the SYL canal till the next date of hearing scheduled on March 31.
Appearing for Haryana before the five member constitution bench of the Apex Court, Advocate Shyam Divan contended that the Punjab government was trying to negate the directions made by Supreme Court in 2004 for unhindered construction of SYL-Canal. He also presented photographs of earthmoving equipment levelling SYL-Canal land as a testimonial to the bench.
Advocate Ram Jethmalani and Rajeev Dhawan tried to oppose the application of Haryana on behalf of Punjab. Advocate Rajeev Dhawan contended that the Court’s jurisdiction was limited unto advice only and it can’t issue interim orders as Haryana’s assertions were based on media reports. However, the court didn’t agree with the contentions of Mr. Dhawan and said that it would modify its order if the media reports will be found incorrect.
It may be recalled here that the Satluj-Yamuna Link Canal Land (Transfer of Proprietary Rights) Act-2016 was passed unanimously in the Punjab assembly on March 14. It was decided to de-notify the land acquired from farmers for SYL-Canal project and return it back to them free of cost. While the Governor’s assent to Bill was being awaited, the Haryana government had moved to Supreme Court seeking annulation of the Satluj-Yamuna Link Canal Land (Transfer of Proprietary Rights) Act-2016 passed by Punjab government.