Punjab Denies Amritpal Singh’s Request to Attend Parliament Budget Session, Citing Security Concerns

Chandigarh, Punjab:The Punjab government on Monday rejected jailed Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh’s plea for temporary release to attend the ongoing Budget session of Parliament, citing a “serious threat to the security of the state and the maintenance of public order.”

The decision was communicated through a formal order issued by the Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Home Affairs, following a directive from the Punjab and Haryana High Court dated January 23. The government emphasized that allowing Singh to attend the session could compromise law and order in the state.

Amritpal Singh’s counsel, Imaan Singh Khara, confirmed receipt of the state’s reply on Monday but did not comment on the next steps regarding legal recourse. Singh, who has been in judicial custody, had applied for temporary leave from jail specifically to participate in the parliamentary proceedings, underlining the constitutional duty of MPs to be present in Parliament.

The refusal has sparked debate among political circles and legal experts about balancing parliamentary privileges with state security concerns, especially in cases involving individuals facing criminal charges while holding public office.