Amritpal Singh Moves High Court Seeking Permission to Attend Parliament
Punjab MP Amritpal Singh has approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, requesting directions to the Union of India, the Punjab government, and other concerned authorities to allow him to participate in parliamentary proceedings.
In his petition, Amritpal, who represents the Khadoor Sahib constituency and leads Waris Punjab De, argued that his presence in Parliament was essential in response to summons issued by the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha. He asserted that his continued absence violated his constitutional rights. Currently detained at Dibrugarh Central Jail under the National Security Act (NSA), the MP claimed that he was being deliberately prevented from attending parliamentary sessions with the alleged intent of leaving his constituency unrepresented, which could eventually lead to his seat being declared vacant.
Amritpal highlighted that prolonged absence beyond 60 days could result in the automatic vacating of his seat, thereby impacting nearly 19 lakh constituents of Khadoor Sahib. He further sought permission to meet officials and ministers to discuss the implementation of the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which allows MPs to recommend developmental projects based on local needs.
According to the petition, Amritpal had formally written to the Lok Sabha Speaker on November 30, 2023, seeking permission to attend the parliamentary session. He had already been informed that he had missed 46 days of sittings. Despite making representations to the Deputy Commissioner/District Magistrate for permission, he had received no response.
The petition contended that his absence was not voluntary but a direct result of state action, making it a case of forced exclusion. Amritpal argued that such an exclusion obstructed a duly elected representative from fulfilling his legislative responsibilities and amounted to contempt of Parliament.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court is expected to hear the matter soon.
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