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The legal battle surrounding radical leader and Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh has taken a significant turn. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has granted interim permission to the Punjab government to keep Amritpal Singh lodged in Dibrugarh Central Jail, Assam, even after his National Security Act (NSA) detention period expires on April 22, 2026.
This decision ensures that the "Waris Punjab De" chief will not be returning to Punjab anytime soon, as the state government successfully argued that his presence in the state could pose a severe threat to law and order.
Trial via Video Conferencing: A New Legal Strategy
In a major procedural shift, the High Court has allowed the judicial proceedings against Amritpal Singh—including his formal arrest in pending cases, remand, and the framing of charges—to be conducted via video conferencing from the Dibrugarh jail.
The Punjab government moved this plea specifically regarding the 2023 Ajnala police station violence case. While the trial for other accused individuals is already underway in Amritsar, the state requested that Amritpal’s legal process be handled virtually to avoid the security risks associated with physical transportation and local presence.
Why Amritpal Singh Isn't Coming Back to Punjab
The Punjab government’s petition highlighted "alarming security risks" and cited recent incidents to justify his continued stay in Assam. Key points presented to the court included:
Law and Order Concerns: Intelligence reports suggest that his return could radicalize local elements and jeopardize state sovereignty.
Recent Violence: The state cited a recent grenade attack near the Punjab BJP headquarters and threats from radical groups as evidence of a volatile atmosphere.
Consent from Assam: The Assam government has already provided its consent to continue housing the MP under the Transfer of Prisoners Act.
The MP’s Legal Stand and Future Outlook
Amritpal Singh’s counsel opposed the move, arguing that prolonged incarceration in a distant state restricts the MP's ability to seek legal remedies and consult with lawyers effectively. However, the bench, led by the Chief Justice, noted that the state's concerns were backed by "subjective satisfaction founded upon objective material."
Amritpal Singh, who won the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat as an Independent in 2024, currently faces 11 to 12 criminal cases, including charges of attempt to murder and UAPA offences. With the High Court’s interim nod, the next phase of his trial will be a digital one, bridging the 2,500-kilometer gap between the Amritsar courtroom and the Dibrugarh prison cell.
