Radical Sikh Preacher Amritpal Singh Challenges Detention in High Court

Amritpal Singh, a Sikh preacher and MP, has moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court to quash his detention under the National Security Act. Singh argues that his detention is illegal and punitive, based on social media posts. He was jailed after a violent incident at a police station and recently elected as an MP.

Radical Sikh preacher and MP Amritpal Singh, currently in prison in Assam's Dibrugarh district under the National Security Act, on Friday approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking the quashing of all proceedings against him under the act, including his detention.

In his petition, Singh argued that his detention is ''illegal'' and should be annulled. He contended that his incarceration serves no purpose other than to punish him for his vocal stance against both the state and Central governments on major political matters, a democratic right he believes every citizen holds.

Singh further claimed that his detention is based primarily on social media posts from individuals worldwide, which he argued have minimal impact on Punjab's security. He stated that his right to life and liberty has been unduly compromised by his prolonged detention far from his home state, describing it as harsh and vindictive. Singh, who leads the 'Waris Punjab De' group and models himself after Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, was jailed along with nine associates after a confrontation with police last year. Despite his imprisonment, Singh was recently elected as an MP and was flown to Delhi this month to take his oath of office.

(With inputs from agencies.)