The Punjab and Haryana High Court will today hear the petition filed by Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, who has challenged the Punjab government’s decision to deny him parole for attending the winter session of Parliament.
Amritpal Singh, who is lodged in Dibrugarh Jail under the National Security Act (NSA), has named the Punjab government, Punjab Police and the Centre as respondents in his petition. His legal team argues that he must be present in the House to speak on issues such as the recent floods in Punjab. The winter session of Parliament will run from December 1 to December 19.
The case has been moving through several legal stages over the past few weeks. Amritpal Singh had first approached the Supreme Court claiming it was his constitutional right to attend Parliament and raise matters concerning his constituency and the state. The Supreme Court, however, declined to intervene and asked him to approach the High Court instead.
Following this, his lawyers filed a petition before the High Court in November. During the hearing, the court asked whether he intended to actively participate in the discussions or remain a silent spectator. The High Court then directed the Punjab government to take a final decision on his parole within a week.
Last week, the government informed the court that it had decided to deny parole, citing security concerns. The decision was based on reports submitted by the Deputy Commissioner and the Senior Superintendent of Police, which warned that releasing him even temporarily could lead to a deterioration of law and order both in Parliament and in Punjab. This decision will now be examined by the High Court.
There is also concern over the rules concerning attendance in Parliament. If an MP remains absent for 60 consecutive days without permission, their membership can be cancelled.
With Amritpal Singh unable to attend any sitting, the issue of his seat has become sensitive. A special committee of the Lok Sabha is already monitoring the matter, and further clarity is expected only after today’s hearing.
Amritpal Singh was arrested under the NSA in 2023 and shifted to Dibrugarh Jail in Assam along with members of his outfit. Despite being in detention, he contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from jail and won the Khadoor Sahib seat by around two lakh votes.