Punjab Government sends Amritpal's Oath-taking request to Lok Sabha Speaker

Amritpal Singh, recently elected as the MP for Khadoor Sahib, Punjab, has requested temporary release from Dibrugarh jail in Assam, where he is detained under the National Security Act (NSA). His plea aims to enable him to take oath as a member of Parliament. The request, forwarded by the Punjab government to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, follows similar permissions granted to other politicians, including Kashmiri leader Sheikh Abdul Rashid.

Amritpal Singh's Oath-taking request

Amritpal Singh's legal advisor, Imaan Singh Khara, disclosed that the request was submitted under Section 15 of the NSA, allowing for temporary release of detainees under specific conditions. The process began on June 9 when the jail superintendent forwarded the plea to the Amritsar deputy commissioner, who subsequently relayed it to the state government headquarters. From there, the plea was formally sent to the Lok Sabha Speaker's office for consideration.

The development comes shortly after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) permitted Sheikh Abdul Rashid, held in Tihar Jail since 2019, to take oath as a Lok Sabha member on July 5. Rashid, an Independent candidate, won the Baramulla seat in Jammu and Kashmir. His case set a precedent for Amritpal Singh's supporters, who await a decision from the Lok Sabha Speaker.

ALSO READ: Tragic road accident claims four lives of Jammu Family in Punjab's Tanda

Amritpal Singh, known for his leadership with the Waris Punjab De party, secured a significant victory in the Lok Sabha elections by defeating Congress candidate Kulbir Singh Zira with a margin of 1.97 lakh votes. His request for temporary release highlights the procedural complexities involved in allowing detained MPs to participate in parliamentary proceedings.

Three of Amritpal's associates, also detained under NSA, have expressed intentions to contest upcoming assembly by-elections in Punjab's Barnala, Gidderbaha, and Dera Baba Nanak constituencies. Their political aspirations underscore broader implications for parliamentary representation amidst legal constraints.

ALSO READ: High Court rules Chandigarh player eligible for Gradation Certificate despite studying in Mohali

In response to these developments, the Punjab government has facilitated the formal transmission of Amritpal Singh's plea to the Lok Sabha Speaker's office. The Speaker's decision, anticipated within a 60-day timeframe from June 25, will hinge on procedural advice from relevant authorities.

As the situation unfolds, stakeholders closely monitor the outcome, emphasizing the intersection of legal proceedings, parliamentary duties, and electoral mandates in the Indian political landscape.