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Jailed MP Amritpal Singh appears virtually in HC, argues own case for parole to attend House

Khadoor Sahib MP argued that under the democratic system of India, any elected representative holds the right to put across his point of view.

4 min readChandigarhDec 16, 2025 06:40 PM IST

A lawyer appearing for Amritpal submitted that it was entirely within the court’s discretion to grant custody parole, pointing out that the winter session was nearing its end. (File Photo)

Jailed MP Amritpal Singh Tuesday appeared in person via video conference in the Punjab and Haryana High Court and argued his petition seeking parole to attend the ongoing winter session of Parliament.

A division bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry heard Amritpal but kept the matter for Wednesday as lawyers continued to abstain from work.

Detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and lodged in Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam, Amritpal, has challenged the Punjab government’s November 24 order denying him parole to attend the Parliament from December 1 to 19. In his plea, the detained MP has termed the Punjab order as “illegal”, “arbitrary”, and “cryptic”.

At the outset, Amritpal sought to argue his case himself, telling the court, “I am here to argue my case,” even as he flagged network issues during the video link.

The Chief Justice responded that the court could hear him, but cautioned, “After we hear your arguments, you should not request for adjournment saying my lawyer will argue.”

In his submissions, the MP said his ability to function as an elected representative had been effectively stalled since his election. “This petition has been filed for parole…all the work in my constituency has been stalled since I have been elected . I filed for bail a couple of times, even if conditional bail, so that I could take up the issues concerning my constituency. But till now no approval has been given”.

He argued that the issue went beyond his personal liberty. “The ‘masla’ (issue) here is not only about my bail which is in any case conditional… but under the democratic system of India, any elected representative holds the right to put across his point of view,” he said, adding that the NSA against him had been extended for a third year. Referring to constituency concerns, he said the issues included floods and drugs, which needed to be raised in Parliament “at this time”.

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At this stage, the Chief Justice intervened, noting Senior Advocate Anupam Gupta, appearing for Punjab, had already begun his arguments and would have to be heard first.

A lawyer appearing for Amritpal submitted that it was entirely within the court’s discretion to grant custody parole, pointing out that the winter session was nearing its end. “The winter session is going to be over on the 19th. Only three days are left,” the counsel said.

He added that the MP was willing to give an undertaking that he would not say anything objectionable in Parliament. “Under Article 105, freedom of speech in Parliament is not absolute. It is subject to rules and regulations framed by Parliament. He can’t speak anything seditious… and he’s ready to give the undertaking,” the lawyer said, adding that Amritpal Singh intended to speak on floods, drug abuse in his constituency and development works under the MPLAD scheme.

When asked by the bench if he could conclude arguments the next day, Gupta said that would not be possible if the work suspension by lawyers continued. “I have never stood apart from my colleagues at the Bar. It will not be possible for me to address my Lords so long as the work suspension continues,” he said.

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Taking note of the shrinking time window, the court observed that only December 19 remained as the last day of the session. The bench adjourned the matter to Wednesday, asking the counsel to keep the proposed undertaking ready for consideration.

During the earlier hearing on December 11, Gupta had argued that once a detained MP is allowed inside Parliament, Article 105(2) would grant absolute immunity for anything said, including “advocacy of Khalistan, armed struggle or anything else.” Prior to that the court had directed the Punjab government to produce the foundational material that led to the rejection of the parole request by Amritpal.

Manraj Grewal Sharma

Manraj Grewal Sharma is a senior journalist and the Resident Editor of The Indian Express in Chandigarh, where she leads the newspaper’s coverage of north India’s most politically and institutionally significant regions. From Punjab and Haryana to Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, she oversees reporting at the intersection of governance, law, politics and society. She also reports on the diaspora, especially in Canada and the US. With a career spanning journalism across several countries, academia and international development, Manraj brings a rare depth of perspective to regional reporting. She is widely regarded as a leading chronicler of Punjab’s contemporary history and socio-political evolution, particularly its long shadow of militancy, federal tensions and identity politics. Her book, Dreams after Darkness, remains a definitive account of the militancy years and their enduring aftermath. Professional Background & Expertise A gold medalist in mass communication and a post-graduate in English literature, Manraj has a multifaceted career spanning journalism, academia, and international development. She was also awarded a fellowship by National Foundation of India and did several in-depth pieces on Manipur. Internationally, she has reported from Israel, US, UK, Myanmar, and Mauritius Her key focus areas include: Regional Politics, History, Agriculture, Diaspora, and Security. Of late, she has started focusing on Legal & Judicial Affairs: Much of her recent work involves reporting on high-stakes cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, ranging from environmental policy to civil rights. International Consulting: She previously served as a consulting editor for the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network and a publishing consultant for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila. Academia: For five years, she was the managing editor of Gender, Technology and Development, a peer-reviewed international journal at the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reportage focuses heavily on judicial interventions and regional governance: 1. Environment & Governance "‘NGT can’t test legality of policy’: HC hears challenge to Punjab’s ‘Green Habitat’ plan" (Dec 22, 2025): Covering a critical legal battle over whether the National Green Tribunal has the authority to strike down a state policy regularizing farmhouses on delisted forest land. "High court pulls up Punjab poll panel over audio clip probe" (Dec 10, 2025): Reporting on judicial concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of local body elections. 2. Legal Rights & Social Welfare "HC issues notice to Punjab, Haryana over delay in building old age homes" (Dec 22, 2025): Reporting on a contempt petition against top officials for failing to establish government-run homes for the elderly as promised in 2019. "Victims can appeal acquittals in sessions court without seeking special leave" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant procedural shift in criminal law following a Supreme Court ruling. "HC upholds benefits for Punjab FCI officer acquitted in 20-year-old bribery case" (Dec 19, 2025): A report on the concept of "honourable acquittal" and its impact on employee benefits. 3. Human Rights & Identity "As Punjab denies parole to MP Amritpal Singh, HC asks it to submit ‘foundational material’" (Dec 1, 2025): Covering the legal proceedings regarding the radical preacher and sitting MP's request to attend Parliament. "Protecting life paramount: HC backs Muslim woman in live-in after verbal divorce" (Nov 6, 2025): Analyzing judicial protections for personal liberty in the context of traditional practices. Signature Beats Manraj is recognized for her ability to decode complex judicial rulings and relate them to the everyday lives of citizens. Whether it is a 30-year-old land battle in Fazilka or the political implications of Kangana Ranaut’s candidacy in Mandi, her writing provides deep historical and regional context. Contact @grewal_sharma on X manrajgrewalsharma on Instagram ... Read More

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