Grievance Redress Mechanisms for Commons: Evaluating the Design and Effectiveness of Public Land Protection Cells in Rajasthan, India

Authors

Pooja Chandran, Foundation for Ecological Security, IndiaFollow

Abstract

Encroachment on common land represents a significant governance challenge in India. Weak institutions, irregular enforcement, and power imbalances often leave marginalised communities more vulnerable to eviction than others. This article examines the design and effectiveness of Public Land Protection Cells (PLPCs)—a judicially mandated grievance redressal mechanism in Rajasthan—in addressing common land encroachment disputes. Drawing on an analysis of cases before the Rajasthan High Court, field observations, and stakeholder interviews, it evaluates how PLPCs address enforcement gaps and promote accountability. Using the United Nations Guiding Principles 31 as a foundation, the article develops a contextualised framework to assess PLPCs to highlight both opportunities and limitations. Key challenges include individualisation of grievances, low transparency, limited community participation, and poor oversight. The findings suggest that PLPCs must evolve beyond reactive, individual-based mechanisms into proactive models that address systemic threats to commons governance.

Recommended Citation

Chandran, Pooja (2025) "Grievance Redress Mechanisms for Commons: Evaluating the Design and Effectiveness of Public Land Protection Cells in Rajasthan, India," Journal of Law and Public Policy: Vol. 9: Iss. 1, Article 1.
Available at: https://repository.nls.ac.in/jlpp/vol9/iss1/1