Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday turned down a petition filed by Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, who had sought temporary release from preventive detention to participate in the ongoing Budget session of Parliament.
The plea was heard by a bench led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry. While the court dismissed the request, the detailed reasoning behind the decision is yet to be made public.
In his submission, Singh argued that he had approached authorities, including the Union government and the Lok Sabha Speaker, seeking permission to attend the session scheduled in two phases. He maintained that his detention was politically driven and claimed it was preventing him from fulfilling his responsibilities as an elected representative.
Singh further contended that his prolonged absence undermined democratic values and the mandate of his constituents. However, during earlier proceedings, the court was informed that his absence from Parliament had reached 59 sittings.
Representing the Centre, Additional Solicitor-General Satya Pal Jain told the bench that while there is a provision to declare a seat vacant after 60 consecutive absences, the rule is not absolute. He pointed out that MPs can seek leave through an internal parliamentary process, which is typically considered favourably under valid circumstances, including detention.
Jain also highlighted the role of a parliamentary panel that reviews such cases and recommends whether the absence should be condoned. He reassured the court that Singh’s membership was not under immediate threat, as the mechanism allows flexibility.
With the petition now dismissed, Singh will remain in custody and is unlikely to attend the current session unless further legal relief is granted.
