What is kurki, and why is it a big issue in Punjab?

Context

A farmer died by suicide outside the office of the Muktsar DC who had been sitting on a dharna outside the administrative complex against kurki orders for his land.

What is kurki?

• Kurki means attachment of a farmer’s land, already pledged to the money lending institution or individual, in case of a loan default. 
• Apart from banks, private moneylenders, commission agents also get these decrees against farmers from time to time.

How is kurki executed?

• Kurki orders are executed under Section 60 of Civil Procedure Code, 1908. 
• The land which is pledged by the farmer to the bank or money lender gets registered in their name. 
• In some cases, the land is auctioned as well. 
• The process begins after the money lender moves court to get kurki orders in case the farmer is unable to pay back his loan.
• In kurki, attachment of farmer’s land as well as his tractor can be done as per the Section 60.