Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court will hear the parole petition filed by MP Amritpal Singh from Khadoor Sahib in Punjab on December 11 to attend the Lok Sabha session. The Punjab government has filed a detailed 5,000-page response in the matter. Both sides will present their arguments in the court today. It is likely that the court may pronounce an important verdict today itself before the session ends on December 19.
5,000-page response filed by the government in the court
The response filed by the Punjab government in the court includes three main points: charges in the Harinou case, security threat and grounds of the former NSA.
1. Charges in the Harinou case
The government told the court that a charge sheet of about 3,500 pages has been filed in both Punjabi and English in the Harinou case. It also details the grounds for the arrest and detention of Amritpal Singh.
2. Claims of threat to AKF and 15 persons
The government’s response said it is aware of the formation of Anandpur Khalsa Force (AKF) in Canada. It also includes statements of 15 persons who claim to have been threatened by imprisoned Amritpal Singh.
3. Questioning reliance on old NSA grounds
The lawyers representing Amritpal Singh argued that the Punjab government is avoiding parole because it is adamant on the validity of the old NSA. Their lawyers argue that since Amritpal will have to remain in Delhi for the trial, the argument of potential law and order situation in Punjab is untenable.
Amritsar Administration Report: Risk of law and order deterioration
Based on the report of the Amritsar DC and district police officers, the government had earlier denied parole. The report said that his release could affect the law and order situation. Amritpal’s petition cited Section 15 of the NSA, which allows parole in special circumstances.
Following the Supreme Court’s directions, the case was referred to the Punjab and Haryana High Court.