Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, currently detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in Dibrugarh, has submitted a petition to the Punjab & Haryana High Court requesting permission to attend the Republic Day parade and the upcoming Parliament session. He emphasized that his participation aligns with principles of justice, equality, and public interest.
The Parliament’s budget session will begin on January 31, with the Union Budget for 2025-26 scheduled to be presented on February 1. The session will include discussions held in two phases and will conclude on April 4, 2025.
Through senior advocate G.K. Mann and advocates Hakam Singh and Amrita Negi, Amritpal Singh has also sought directives for authorities to allow him to meet Union ministers to discuss matters concerning his constituency and its development.
Amritpal Singh, in his petition, stated that he is an Indian citizen who was democratically elected to the Lok Sabha in the 2024 general elections, receiving over four lakh votes. He emphasized that this outcome demonstrates the trust and confidence of the 19 lakh residents of the Khadoor Sahib constituency.
He further said that on November 30, 2024, he submitted a request to the Lok Sabha Speaker seeking permission to attend Parliament sessions. In response, he was informed that he had been absent from Parliament sittings for 46 days, with detailed records of his absences.
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw two jailed candidates being elected into the parliament, Amritpal being one, the other being Abdul Rashid Sheikh, alias Engineer Rashid, who was elected from Baramullah Jammu and Kashmir. Rashid also won independently and is currently jailed under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act for allegedly funding terrorist outfits. While a jailed person can contest in the elections, they require permission from authorities to be able to participate in the oath-taking ceremony if elected, needing a temporary parole to do so.
Article 101(4) of the Indian Constitution states that an elected MPs seat will be declared vacant if they are absent form Parliamentary proceedings for 60 days. The MP requires the court’s approval to cast a vote or attend a parliamentary session. According to the petition, Amritpal has been absent for a total of 46 days. The plea is yet to be listed for hearing.
Under the representation of the People Act, a conviction with a sentence of 2 years or more results in immediate disqualification from the Parliament, and a ban to participate in elections for six years after release.
Amritpal Singh’s party was also revealed during the Maghi Mela in Sri Muktsar Sahib. And has been named as ‘Akali Dal Waris Punjab De. The party aims to take over the religious and political influence that the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) used to have, as SAD is currently facing decline in Punjab.
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