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.

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Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Yashvir Singh Rathor said officers must focus on rescue. Pulling them into court replies would slow relief efforts. The judges also asked the petitioner to provide “better particulars” as the current plea lacked details.

The PIL came from Fazilka lawyer Shubham after floods from August 25 to 29 hit both states. He requested timely relief, enforcement of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and Dam Safety Act, 2021. He also sought audits, floodplain zoning, and a court-monitored committee.

Advocate Angrej Singh argued that relief work on the ground was weak. He said coordination between Punjab, the Union Government, and agencies was poor. Singh pointed out the state had only 114 boats and one helicopter. In contrast, NDRF had 30–35 helicopters.

He warned that livestock losses are large. The real damage to homes and infrastructure will be clear only when the water goes down.

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