In 2024, Haryana changed its law to let people occupying village common lands, called Shamilat deh, buy these lands by paying the gram panchayat. This was meant to reduce court cases, collect money for panchayats, and solve long delays in land disputes. In 2025, rules were made easier, lowering restrictions and shifting power to approve sales. The government says this helps stop long legal fights and deals with many cases of illegal use of common land for homes or farming. But experts warn this could harm poor and Dalit communities. These lands are important for poor people to have some livelihood and protection. Research shows Dalits in Haryana have often been denied access to common lands because powerful local leaders support dominant landowners. Encroachment on these lands is not accidental but often backed by officials. For example, studies found over 14% of cultivable common land was illegally occupied. The law’s “pay-to-own” approach risks giving official land rights to those who can afford it, mostly rich landowners, while leaving poor Dalits out. This legalisation may save money and clear court backlogs but could deepen social inequality. Other states like Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu handle common lands differently, protecting Dalits by giving them these lands rather than making them buy it. Experts suggest Haryana should include caste and economic checks before allowing sales. Also, critical lands should not be sold, and the process must have proper audits and support for poor claimants. The amendment raises a key question: Is the state fixing legal problems or ignoring deep social injustices by turning illegal use into ownership? Without clear safeguards, it may just help wealthy groups keep power over common lands, deepening caste-based inequalities.