The Punjab and Haryana High Court directed Punjab to file an affidavit on flood relief after the crisis ends.
A Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry stressed that relief work must come first. They said officials should not waste time drafting replies while rescue teams are active on the ground. The court allowed six weeks for the affidavit.
The judges noted that government bodies, private groups, the Army, and disaster relief teams are working hard in flood-hit areas. They asked petitioners not to create hurdles during operations.
State Advocate-General MS Bedi said the Supreme Court already took note of the floods and is hearing a similar case.
One petition came from Shubham, a lawyer from Fazilka. He sought timely relief, health safeguards, floodplain zoning, and audits of flood-control structures. He also requested a court-monitored committee for oversight.
Another lawyer, Angrej Singh, argued that Punjab failed in its legal duties and coordination. He later withdrew his plea to move the Supreme Court. Other petitions remain listed for October 28.
