New SC ruling on lease of grazing land

The Supreme Court On Tuesday ruled that charagah land, a pasture, field, or meadow used for grazing cattle is separate from state land and can only be leased under specific conditions, with the approval of the Board of Revenue (BoR).

Justice Ayesha A. Malik, leading a three-judge bench, clarified that such land should only be used for public purposes and for a set period. Justice Malik highlighted that charagah land cannot be allocated to individuals under the Lambardari grant, as its fundamental nature cannot be changed. 

This ruling came after petitions challenging a May 29, 2024, Lahore High Court decision, which had allowed Maratab Ali’s request for grazing land. The Lahore High Court had overturned the rulings of three revenue forums that had denied Ali the land.

Maratab Ali, who was appointed Lambardar (village headman) of Chak No 23, Tehsil Malikwal in 2001, had been allotted 140 kanals of grazing land under the Lambardari grant in 2009. However, the Supreme Court ruled that charagah land is meant for collective village use, not individual ownership, and should be preserved for public purposes such as schools, playgrounds, or tree planting.

The court emphasized that charagah land is not considered state land, and its use must be approved by the BoR. The judgment also referenced a 2022 advisory from the BoR, which prohibited the allocation of charagah land under the Lambardari grant. Ultimately, the Supreme Court upheld the decision of the revenue officers to cancel the allotment to Ali and ordered the land to be returned to the state.