Today, On 21st November, The Punjab and Haryana High Court told the State to quickly decide MP Amritpal Singh’s request to attend the coming Winter Session of Parliament. Singh, detained under the NSA since 2023, was still elected there while in custody.
Today, On 25th February, The Punjab & Haryana High Court was hearing a plea by detained MP Amritpal Singh, who sought permission to attend Lok Sabha proceedings. During the hearing, the Lok Sabha informed the court that a panel on MP leaves was constituted on February 24. The case raises questions about parliamentary privileges and the rights of detained legislators.
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.
The victories of imprisoned candidates Amritpal Singh and Sheikh Abdul Rashid have raised questions about their eligibility as Members of Parliament in India. Despite their wins in the Khadoor Sahib and Baramulla constituencies, their ability to serve in the Lok Sabha hinges on the legal framework and the implications of their criminal charges. If convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for two years, they will automatically lose their seats. Past cases indicate that incarcerated individuals have been granted permission to temporarily fulfill their elected duties, but the final decision will ultimately rest with the House. Singh, detained under the National Security Act (NSA), has been vocal about his initiatives against drug abuse in Punjab, while Rashid faces charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and ran for election on an Awami Ittehad Party ticket.
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In India, jailed politicians can run for office but lose their right to vote. Amritpal Singh, a jailed Khalistani separatist, is contesting the Khadoor Sahib parliamentary constituency election. The Representation of the People Act disqualifies convicts, not undertrials, from elections. Several politicians, including Rahul Gandhi, have run for office while incarcerated. The Supreme Court is considering expediting trials of criminal cases against lawmakers. Over 4,900 cases are pending against Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assembly/Council, with nearly 1,900 of these cases being over five years old.
Today, On 10th May, Amritpal Singh, a a prominent figure, seeks temporary release from Dibrugarh Jail in Assam to run for the Lok Sabha elections in Punjab. The High Court is expected to review the request before the May 14 nomination deadline. Singh’s legal team cites his citizenship and eligibility to contest as grounds for the release. The court is considering legal precedents and potential implications on public safety.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently delivered a pivotal judgment, addressing the intricate balance between individual liberties and state-imposed restrictions under the Indian Constitution. This decision, pertaining to the case of Sarabjit Singh Kalsi, an alleged aide of Amritpal Singh, leader of Waris Punjab De, delved into the nuances of Article 22, describing it […]
