Punjab & Haryana High Court Directs State To Consider Representation — No Compensation To Farmers Who Suffered Below 25% Crop Loss, Says Plea

The Punjab & Haryana High Court considered a petition challenging the state government’s stance on relief/compensation to farmers impacted by recent floods. The petitioners sought directions that relief be extended or representations be considered for farmers who allegedly suffered crop losses below the threshold fixed by the government scheme (commonly a 25% loss benchmark). The Court directed the State to consider the representation(s) filed by affected farmers and to take a decision in accordance with law, while noting the administrative scheme and thresholds adopted for disaster relief. Without prescribing a substantive entitlement, the High Court emphasized that representation(s) must be considered and replied to by the appropriate administrative authority so that aggrieved farmers receive a reasoned decision and, if necessary, available remedies. The order highlights judicial oversight over administrative relief measures, the need for reasoned consideration of claims under government schemes, and the role of courts in ensuring procedural fairness where statutory or executive thresholds operate to deny compensation. The matter underscores tensions between fixed eligibility cut-offs and equitable relief to marginal claimants in disaster settings.