Following the intervention of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Jobanpreet Singh, a supporter of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Majithia, was released from Amritsar Central Jail on Friday evening. Jobanpreet, a resident of Sohian Kalan village, had been arrested by the Majitha police in a case that stirred controversy after Majithia and his supporters allegedly stormed the Majitha police station on Sunday in an attempt to secure his release.
Background of the Arrest
The police had registered a case against Majithia and his supporters under various charges, including obstructing a public servant and using criminal force against a public servant, following the incident at the police station. Majithia had maintained that Jobanpreet was falsely implicated and arrested in a fabricated case. The arrest triggered a political row, with allegations of vendetta and misuse of police machinery.
High Court Intervention
Jobanpreet's family approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, alleging that he had been illegally detained due to political vendetta. On Wednesday, the High Court ordered his release, reportedly describing the arrest as "illegal and unconstitutional". The petition, filed by Jobanpreet's father Mukhwant Singh, challenged the arrest, stating that his son had served as a polling agent for an Akali Dal candidate during the recent municipal election. He alleged that the FIR was falsely registered and termed the arrest a gross misuse of police machinery for political purposes. The petition also contended that mandatory legal safeguards governing arrests had not been followed, rendering the detention unlawful.
Delayed Release and Legal Proceedings
Amanbir Singh Sayali, counsel for Jobanpreet, alleged that despite the High Court's directions, his client's release was unnecessarily delayed by the jail authorities. He said the family was compelled to approach the High Court again, which advised them to seek relief from the local court. After the High Court order was presented before the local court, directions were issued to the jail authorities, following which Jobanpreet was released.
Reaction After Release
Speaking to reporters after his release, Jobanpreet termed the court's decision a vindication of his stand. He expressed gratitude to the judiciary for upholding the rule of law and criticized the police for what he called a politically motivated arrest. The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing political tensions in Punjab, with the SAD accusing the ruling party of using state machinery to target its workers.
