Chandigarh (Punjab) [India]: Amritpal Singh, jailed Lok Sabha MP and Pro-Khalistani leader, has filed a petition in the Punjab High Court, seeking permission to attend the ongoing Parliament session amid concerns that his seat may be vacated due to prolonged absence.
Risk of Losing Lok Sabha Seat
As per Article 101(4) of the Constitution, a Member of Parliament who remains absent for more than 60 days without permission may have their seat declared vacant.
The constitutional provision states:
“If for a period of sixty days a member of either House of Parliament is without permission of the House absent from all meetings thereof, the House may declare his seat vacant: Provided that in computing the said period of sixty days no account shall be taken of any period during which the House is prorogued or is adjourned for more than four consecutive days.”
Currently, Amritpal Singh, the MP from Khadoor Sahib, has already been absent for 46 days, leaving just 14 more days before his seat may be at risk.
Petition Hearing Expected Soon
Sources indicate that the Punjab High Court may schedule a hearing on his petition within two days.
This is not the first time Amritpal Singh has sought legal permission to attend Parliament. On January 23, he had filed a petition requesting to participate in the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, arguing that his absence is depriving his 19 lakh voters of representation in Parliament.
Amritpal Singh’s Claims of Political Targeting
Currently imprisoned in Assam’s Dibrugarh Jail under the National Security Act (NSA), Amritpal Singh has repeatedly alleged that his detention is politically motivated to curb his rising popularity.
The detention order, issued by the Deputy Magistrate of Amritsar in March 2023, has been extended multiple times.
Family Alleges Conspiracy
On January 9, Tarsem Singh, father of Amritpal Singh, criticized the imposition of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on his son, calling it a “conspiracy” to prevent their family from launching a political party.
“Now, when the imposition of NSA on him comes to an end, they already imposed UAPA. Now when we are planning to launch a political party, it is a conspiracy to stop us. Bhagwant Mann’s anti-Sikh mindset is being exposed. Without any proof or investigation, such things are being done to defame Amritpal,” said Tarsem Singh.
With the court hearing expected soon, the case has sparked a political debate over representation, legal rights of detained MPs, and allegations of political suppression.