Punjab and Haryana High Court Adjourns Hearing on Amritpal Singh's Petition
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday conducted a hearing on a petition filed by Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament and radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh. The petition challenges the Punjab government's decision to deny him permission to attend the ongoing Budget session of Parliament. A division bench comprising the Chief Justice and Justice Sanjeev Berry presided over the matter.
State Government's Opposition and Concerns
Opposing the plea, counsel for the state of Punjab submitted that the government had already rejected Amritpal Singh's request for temporary release. The decision was taken in view of significant concerns relating to law and order, as well as the imperative to maintain peace and harmony in the region. The state requested ten days to file a formal reply to the petition, seeking additional time to respond comprehensively.
Amritpal Singh's Legal Arguments and Detention Status
Counsel appearing for Amritpal Singh informed the High Court that he has been held in preventive detention under the National Security Act (NSA). It was emphasized that Amritpal Singh is classified as a civil prisoner, and no trial has commenced in the case for which he is currently lodged in prison. His legal team argued that his continued detention effectively deprives nearly 19 lakh constituents of their fundamental right to representation in Parliament by their elected representative.
Background and Electoral Context
Amritpal Singh was arrested on April 23, 2023, and has since been under detention at Dibrugarh jail in Assam. Despite his incarceration, he was elected from the Khadoor Sahib constituency in Punjab during the 2024 general elections, securing over 4 lakh votes. This electoral victory underscores the political significance of his current legal battle and the broader implications for democratic representation.
Court's Decision and Future Proceedings
Accepting the state's request for time to file a reply, the division bench adjourned the matter to February 23 for further hearing. This adjournment allows both parties to prepare their arguments more thoroughly, setting the stage for a potentially pivotal ruling on the intersection of security concerns and parliamentary privileges.
Key Points of the Case:- Amritpal Singh challenges Punjab government's refusal to permit his attendance at the Budget session.
- State cites law and order risks and peace maintenance as primary reasons for denial.
- Amritpal Singh is detained under the NSA as a civil prisoner with no trial initiated.
- His detention raises questions about constituent representation for nearly 19 lakh voters.
- The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for February 23.
