Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament, Amritpal Singh, has approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court to legally contest his third consecutive detention order issued under the stringent National Security Act (NSA). The Sikh leader has been held in preventive custody at Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam since his initial arrest in April 2023.
Grounds of Detention and the Legal Challenge
In his fresh petition, Singh has specifically challenged the detention order dated April 17, 2025, which received state government approval on April 25, 2025, and was later confirmed on June 24, 2025. The authorities have cited several grounds for his continued detention.
The state alleges that Amritpal Singh was "conspiring with anti-national elements, notorious and dreaded gangsters and terrorists" with an aim to physically eliminate individuals who could expose his activities. A key basis for this order is FIR No. 159 of 2024, related to the murder of Gurpreet Singh Hari Nau on October 9, 2024. Hari Nau, described as a former close associate who had distanced himself, was reportedly promoting a counter-narrative against the 'Waris Punjab De' (WPD) organization online.
Another significant allegation involves an intelligence alert from March 23, 2025. It claims that while incarcerated in Dibrugarh, Amritpal directed the formation of the 'Anandpur Khalsa Fauj (AKF) International Association' in Canada. This group is reported to advocate for an armed struggle to establish 'Khalsa Raj' (Khalistan), provide arms training, and plan protests at Indian embassies.
Amritpal Singh's Counter-Arguments
In his plea, Amritpal Singh has strongly refuted these allegations, presenting a point-by-point rebuttal.
Regarding the murder charge, he argues a clear alibi, stating he was already in detention when Hari Nau was killed. His petition contends, "there is no possibility or circumstance under which he could have been involved." It further asserts that a review of the police report for the murder case reveals "not an iota of evidence" linking him to the crime.
Concerning the AKF International allegations, Singh labels them as "purely speculative." He emphasizes that being in "strict custody" made it impossible for him to exercise any leadership or operational control over the formation of an overseas association.
The petition also outlines Singh's public work, stating his speeches have consistently focused on preserving Sikh values, cultural identity, and constitutional rights. It highlights his activism in social reform and youth de-addiction programs across Punjab.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
This legal move comes in light of recent directions from the Supreme Court of India. In an order dated November 10, the SC instructed the Punjab and Haryana High Court to decide on such detention matters within six weeks of a petition being filed.
Amritpal Singh's petition, filed following this directive, is expected to be listed for hearing before the high court as early as next week. The outcome will determine the legality of his continued detention under the NSA, which has now spanned over two years since the first order on March 18, 2023.
