The Dalits in Kaidupur village in Patiala raised their voices against wrongful auction of agricultural land reserved for them. The auction took place on June 23, 2018. According to the village residents, of the 33 acres reserved for them, 16 acres were allotted to one bidder, which violates the regulations provided under the Punjab Village Common Lands law. They accused the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) of compromising the law and protested outside the DDPO office on June 26, 2018. The police arrested the protesters, but they were released on bail the next day. The residents continued with their protest in front of the District Administrative Complex until June 27. Following this, an inquiry was launched, headed by the additional deputy commissioner. According to a news report, the Dalit residents protested against a second auction as well, arguing that the land was allotted to two fake bidders who were proxies for uppercaste men. They claimed that the auction venue was changed without informing them to prevent them from attending the auction and also hinted at political pressure. But the DDPO denied the allegations.
Demand/Contention of the Affected Community
Complaint against procedural violations, Demand to retain/protect access to common land/resources
Region Classification
Rural
Type of Land
Common
Type of Common Land
Non-Forest (Other than Grazing Land)
Has the Conflict Ended?
When did it end?
Why did the conflict end?
Categories of Legislations Involved in the Conflict
Land Reform Laws
Legislations/Policies Involved
Whether claims/objections were made as per procedure in the relevant statute
What was the claim(s)/objection(s) raised by the community? What was the decision of the concerned government department?
Legal Processes and Loopholes Enabling the Conflict:
Non-implementation of land-reform laws
Legal Status:
Out of Court
Status of Case In Court
Whether any adjudicatory body was approached
Name of the adjudicatory body
Name(s) of the Court(s)
Case Number
Major Human Rights Violations Related to the Conflict:
Arrest/detention/imprisonment
Whether criminal law was used against protestors
Official name of the criminal law. Did the case reach trial?
Reported Details of the Violation:
The police arrested protesters outside the DDPO office, but they were released on bail the next day.
Date of Violation
June 26, 2018
Location of Violation
Kaidupur village, Patiala
Nature of Protest
Protests/marches
Government Departments Involved in the Conflict:
District Development and Panchayat Officer
PSUs Involved in the Conflict:
Did LCW Approach Government Authorities for Comments?
Name, Designation and Comment of the Government Authorities Approached
Corporate Parties Involved in the Conflict:
Did LCW Approach Corporate Parties for Comments?
Name, Designation and Comment of Corporate Authorities Approached
Other Parties Involved in the Conflict:
Documented By
Damandeep SinghReviewed By
Damandeep SinghUpdated By
Damandeep SinghEdited By
Damandeep SinghLand Conflict Watch
