HC directs Punjab to decide Amritpal’s plea to attend Parliament

November 21, 2025

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday instructed the Punjab government to take a decision on the petition filed by jailed Waris Punjab De leader and Lok Sabha MP Amritpal Singh, who has sought permission to attend the winter session of Parliament beginning December 1.

The Division Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry disposed of the petition while directing the state to decide on Amritpal’s November 13 application within a week and preferably before the parliamentary session begins.

Counsel Says No Decision Yet on Temporary Release Plea

Amritpal’s counsel, R.S. Bains, informed the court that he had applied for temporary release under Section 15 of the National Security Act (NSA) but no action has been taken so far.

When Bains pointed out the provision, the Bench sought clarity on whether the MP had prepared for parliamentary participation.

The Chief Justice questioned what material Amritpal intended to present or debate in the House, asking whether he had prepared any agenda or would remain a “silent spectator.”

Bains said he had no instructions as his client was lodged far away.

Amritpal Lodged in Assam Jail Since 2023

Amritpal Singh, the MP representing Khadoor Sahib, has been detained in Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam since April 2023 under the NSA. He was arrested following a crackdown on the Waris Punjab De outfit.

The 32-year-old, who has often claimed inspiration from slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, continues to be held in Assam even though nine of his associates were returned to Punjab earlier this year.

Plea Cites Need to Attend Parliamentary Proceedings

Amritpal has invoked Section 15 of the NSA, which allows authorities to grant parole in exceptional cases. In his plea, he argues that Parliament is a constitutional institution and, as an elected representative, he should be permitted to participate in its proceedings.