The Punjab and Haryana High Court has upheld the preventive detention of Amritpal Singh, the MP from Khadoor Sahib, under the National Security Act (NSA). This decision comes amidst a new application from the Punjab Government seeking permission to arrest Singh in Assam and extend his detention beyond April 23.
High Court’s Decision on Amritpal Singh’s Custody
On Thursday, the court dismissed Singh’s challenge against his continued detention. Chief Justice Sheel Nagu led the bench that ruled the order of preventive detention was not subject to judicial review. The court noted that the District Magistrate had sufficient reason to believe that Singh’s release could threaten public order and state security.
Details of the Ruling
- The court’s ruling emphasized the “reasoned apprehension” regarding Singh’s potential impact on public order.
- The preventive detention order was the third successive one issued against Singh since April of the previous year.
During the hearings, Punjab’s state counsel expressed urgency in addressing the new petition. This urgency stems from the impending expiration of Singh’s NSA detention on April 23.
Legal Proceedings and Security Concerns
The state sought to ensure that Singh remains detained in Dibrugarh Central Jail, proposing to conduct all legal proceedings through videoconferencing. The aim is to prevent any disturbance to public order if he were to return to Punjab.
- The Punjab Government stated, “We don’t want him in Punjab.”
- They cited intelligence reports and security risks associated with his presence in the state.
The government’s plea highlights that Singh has faced multiple criminal charges and that his activities have raised security alarms. Moreover, the state pointed out the supportive activities of his group, which they believe threaten public safety.
Next Steps for the High Court
The High Court acknowledged the state’s concerns, agreeing to review the legal basis for the continued custody of Singh. The matter is slated for further hearing, as the court considers the implications of the ongoing detention period.
As the situation develops, the legal proceedings will determine whether Singh can face charges while remaining outside Punjab. With the legal framework in place, the High Court’s upcoming decisions will be crucial in addressing the security concerns surrounding Amritpal Singh.
