Today, On 10th May, Amritpal Singh, a prominent figure, seeking temporary release from the High Court to focus on his election campaigning efforts for the upcoming 2024 elections. Singh’s legal team citing the urgency of his political responsibilities as grounds for this request. The High Court expected to review and decide on the matter soon.
Punjab: The Punjab government informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that it facilitated Amritpal Singh, a separatist and the leader of “Waris Punjab De,” in filing his nomination to contest the Lok Sabha elections while being in jail.
Amritpal Singh, a Sikh preacher who currently incarcerated in Dibrugarh Jail in Assam, approached the high court on Thursday, requesting temporary release for seven days in order to file his nomination. He intends to run as an independent candidate from the Sri Khadoor Sahib constituency in Punjab, which scheduled for polling on June 1.
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The state government also informed the court that two sets of nomination forms have already been filled and signed by Amritpal Singh, and the process will be completed by Monday. In his petition, Amritpal Singh requested to be released so that he can file his nomination before the deadline on May 14. He also sought directions for the jail authorities to make necessary arrangements for him, such as taking his photograph and opening a new bank account, to complete the required paperwork.
The petition said,
“The petition declares that the petitioner, being an Indian citizen and registered voter from Khadoor Sahib Constituency, is eligible to run in the elections.”
Additionally, the petition notes that letters have been sent by Singh’s father, Tarsem Singh, to the Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab and the District Magistrate of Amritsar, seeking instructions on how to proceed with his nomination filing.
In April of the previous year, Singh apprehended and placed in custody under the rigorous National Security Act (NSA) following a confrontation between his followers and the police at a police station in Ajnala, Punjab. The clash occurred due to a dispute over the release of one of Singh’s associates. Singh, who emulates the infamous Khalistani extremist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, eventually arrested in Moga after successfully evading law enforcement for over a month by frequently changing vehicles and altering his appearance.
The High Court’s decision on this matter pending, with considerations being given to the legal precedents, Singh’s current legal status, and the potential implications of his release on public safety and order. The court also assessing the assurances provided by Singh’s legal representatives regarding compliance with specific conditions that may be imposed upon his release.