Today(on 9th August),The Supreme Court of India dismissed a petition challenging Amritpal Singh’s election as an MP from Punjab’s Khadoor Sahib constituency, which questioned his qualifications under Article 84 of the Indian Constitution. The petitioner argued that Singh did not meet the necessary qualifications for Parliament membership.
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NEW DELHI: Today(on 9th August), The Supreme Court of India, dismissed a petition challenging the election of Amritpal Singh, a controversial Sikh preacher, as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Punjab’s Khadoor Sahib constituency. The plea was filed by a petitioner who raised concerns about Singh’s qualifications under Article 84 of the Indian Constitution.
The petitioner, who appeared in person before the bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan, argued that Amritpal Singh did not meet the qualifications required for membership in the Indian Parliament.
According to the petitioner-
“Article 84 of the Constitution specifies the qualifications for parliamentary membership, stating that a person must be an Indian citizen to be eligible for election to Parliament.”
The petitioner’s argument centered around the claim that Amritpal Singh, identified as “respondent number four” in the case, had allegedly expressed sentiments that could be interpreted as not aligning with the Constitution of India. The petitioner stated-
“In this case, respondent number four (Amritpal Singh) claimed that he does not owe allegiance to the Constitution of India.”
In response to the petitioner’s claims, the Supreme Court bench suggested an alternative legal route.
“You file an election petition,”
– the bench advised, pointing out that such matters are typically handled through specific procedures laid out in the legal framework governing elections in India.
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The petitioner admitted to not being a voter of the Khadoor Sahib constituency but emphasized that he was “deeply hurt” by the statements made by Amritpal Singh. The bench acknowledged the petitioner’s concerns but reiterated that there are established procedures for addressing such grievances.
“This is a matter of evidence, governed by prescribed procedures and provisions outlined in the Representation of the People Act.”
– the bench observed.
Verdict: Petition Dismissed
Ultimately, the Supreme Court refused to entertain the petition. The bench succinctly concluded the hearing with the words-
“Thank you. Dismissed,”
effectively ending the proceedings and leaving Amritpal Singh’s election unchallenged.
Background:
Amritpal Singh, a 31-year-old radical Sikh preacher, won the Lok Sabha elections from Khadoor Sahib as an independent candidate, even while being incarcerated. His election victory stirred considerable attention due to his ongoing legal troubles.
Singh is the leader of the ‘Waris Punjab De’ outfit and has been at the center of several controversies. He is currently lodged in a prison in Assam’s Dibrugarh district, facing charges under the stringent National Security Act (NSA). Despite his imprisonment, Singh was granted parole on July 5 to take the oath as a member of the Lok Sabha.
