Punjab and Haryana HC Upholds Amritpal Singh's Detention Under NSA
Synopsis
In a significant ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has upheld the detention of Amritpal Singh, dismissing his plea against the third order under the National Security Act. This decision highlights the court's position on preventive detention and its implications for Singh's future.
Key Takeaways
Punjab and Haryana High Court upheld Amritpal Singh's detention order.
The court ruled that the detention is beyond judicial review.
Amritpal Singh claims the detention infringes on his constitutional rights.
He has been detained since April 2023.
This ruling could influence future cases involving preventive detention.
Chandigarh, April 16 (NationPress) The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled on Thursday that the plea of Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, which contested the legitimacy of the third consecutive detention order against him under the National Security Act (NSA), was dismissed.
"It is evident that the challenged preventive detention order against the petitioner is beyond the scope of judicial review. Thus, the petition is dismissed," stated a Bench led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu while delivering the verdict.
In his plea, Amritpal Singh argued that the detention was "arbitrary, lacking jurisdiction, and infringing upon constitutional protections outlined in Articles 21 and 22".
His legal counsel contended that Amritpal Singh had been held under preventive detention since April 2023 without substantial evidence justifying his continued confinement.
The self-declared Khalistani advocate Amritpal Singh, who claims to draw inspiration from the late Khalistani leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, was apprehended on April 23, 2023, following a 36-day pursuit across multiple states after an assault on the Ajnala police station.
Currently incarcerated in Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam since his arrest under the NSA, Amritpal Singh secured his position as a Lok Sabha member for the Khadoor Sahib constituency in Punjab during the 2024 elections.
He was briefly granted a four-day parole to take his oath in the Lok Sabha, a decision approved after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) raised no objections. His situation has drawn parallels to that of other detained leaders who were allowed to take their oaths, such as Engineer Rashid from Jammu and Kashmir.
Last November, the Supreme Court declined to hear a petition from Amritpal Singh regarding his ongoing detention under the NSA. A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria noted that the petitioner should initially approach the jurisdictional High Court.
Given the length of his detention, the Justice Aravind Kumar-led Bench urged the High Court to finalize the proceedings within six weeks.
Point of View
The implications for both Singh and the broader political landscape will be closely watched.
NationPress
3 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the basis of Amritpal Singh's plea?
Amritpal Singh's plea challenged the legality of his detention under the National Security Act, claiming it was arbitrary and violated constitutional rights.
What is the National Security Act (NSA)?
The National Security Act allows for preventive detention of individuals deemed a threat to national security, without the need for immediate charges.
What does the High Court's ruling mean for Singh?
The ruling means that Singh's detention is upheld, and he must seek relief from the jurisdictional High Court for any further challenges.
How long has Amritpal Singh been in detention?
Amritpal Singh has been under preventive detention since April 2023.
What are the implications of this ruling?
The ruling may set a precedent regarding the judiciary's stance on preventive detention under the NSA, impacting other similar cases.
