New Delhi: Amritpal Singh, a Member of Parliament from Punjab currently held in Dibrugarh Jail, has filed a plea before the Supreme Court contesting his detention under the National Security Act (NSA). Alongside challenging the legality of his confinement, Singh has urged the court to allow him to participate in the upcoming session of Parliament, citing his constitutional duty as a representative of the people.
The matter is expected to be taken up by the Supreme Court today, with the bench likely to assess both the legitimacy of the NSA order and the feasibility of granting Singh permission to attend parliamentary proceedings.
Singh’s detention stems from his arrest earlier this year during a state-wide crackdown on alleged extremist elements. Since then, he has been lodged in Dibrugarh, Assam, under preventive detention powers granted by the NSA. His legal team argues that the action is “unjustified and politically motivated,” asserting that the preventive detention law has been misapplied in his case.
Through his petition, the MP has also contended that his continued absence from Parliament undermines the democratic process and deprives his constituents of representation in the House. He has requested the court to consider temporary relief to ensure his participation in the legislative session.
Legal analysts say the petition raises complex questions about the rights of elected lawmakers who are under preventive detention and the scope of their parliamentary privileges. The Supreme Court’s stance on the issue could set a precedent for similar cases involving detained public representatives.
The Union and state governments are expected to present their responses when the matter is heard. Meanwhile, Singh’s supporters in Punjab have welcomed his decision to move the apex court, describing it as a “fight for constitutional justice and representation.”
As the court prepares to examine the plea, attention now turns to whether Amritpal Singh will be allowed to temporarily step out of jail to take his seat in Parliament.
