The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday asked the Punjab government to submit all documents related to its decision denying parole to Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh. The next hearing in the case will now take place on December 8.
During the hearing, the Punjab government told the court that Amritpal’s speeches could pose a threat and that he has been detained under the National Security Act (NSA). The state’s lawyer said there is no provision that allows him to return to Parliament while under such detention.
In response, Amritpal Singh’s lawyer argued that since the government is not permitting him to attend Parliament physically, he should be allowed to join the session virtually. The High Court asked the Centre to respond to this request.
Appearing for the central government, Additional Solicitor General Satyapal Jain said there is no system in Parliament that allows a member to participate virtually in this manner. He added that the Centre will explain its position fully in the next hearing and file the required documents.
Amritpal Singh, who is lodged in Dibrugarh Jail in Assam under the NSA, has challenged the Punjab government’s refusal to grant him temporary parole for attending the Winter Session of Parliament. His petition argues that he must be present to raise issues related to the recent floods in Punjab. The session began today and will continue until December 19.
The case has gone through several stages over the past month. Amritpal Singh had first approached the Supreme Court, claiming it was his constitutional right to attend the House. The Supreme Court dismissed the plea and asked him to move the High Court instead.
In November, the High Court had directed the Punjab government to take a final decision on his parole within a week. After reviewing security reports from the Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police, the government refused parole, saying his release could trigger a law and order situation in Punjab and even inside Parliament.
The question of Amritpal’s continued absence from Parliament has also become important. Under parliamentary rules, an MP who remains absent from House proceedings for 60 consecutive days without permission can lose his seat. A special Lok Sabha committee is already monitoring the issue, and clarity will come only after the court concludes the matter.
Amritpal Singh contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from jail and won the Khadoor Sahib seat by nearly two lakh votes. He has remained in Dibrugarh Jail since his arrest under the NSA.
