High Court Demands Original NSA Files in MP Amritpal Singh's Detention Case
The Punjab and Haryana High Court issued a significant directive on Monday. It ordered the Punjab government to produce original files related to the preventive detention of Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha MP Amritpal Singh. The court is hearing a challenge to his continued detention under the National Security Act.
Court Grants One Week for Detailed Reply
A Bench headed by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu granted the State one week to submit a para-wise reply. The petition challenges Singh's third consecutive detention order dated April 17, 2025. The court noted it cannot proceed without a detailed response from the respondents.
The Bench recorded important timelines. The Supreme Court set a six-week outer limit for adjudication through an order on November 10, 2025. The petition against the detention was filed in the first week of December.
Legal Proceedings and Next Hearing
The court directed the production of original records substantiating detention grounds. It listed the case for the next hearing on January 20. Senior advocate Anupam Gupta represented the Punjab government. Additional Solicitor General Satya Pal Jain appeared for the Union of India.
Petition Challenges Legality of Detention
Amritpal Singh's petition questions the legality of his third successive detention. It contends no credible material links him to activities prejudicial to public order or national security. Advocates Arshdeep Singh Cheema, Imaan Singh Khara, and Harjot Singh Mann filed the petition.
The petition describes the detention as arbitrary and without jurisdiction. It argues the detention violates constitutional safeguards under Articles 21 and 22. Singh has remained under preventive detention since April 2023 despite lacking material justifying continued incarceration.
Denial of Allegations and Social Work Claims
The plea strongly denies allegations of association with anti-national elements. It asserts no evidence supports claims of conspiracy to physically harm individuals. According to the petition, Singh was involved in social reform initiatives before his detention.
These initiatives included:
- Youth-focused anti-addiction campaigns
- Drug abuse awareness programmes
- Community outreach through his organisation Waris Punjab De
The petition states his public speeches centred on Sikh values, cultural identity, and constitutional rights. It emphasizes he did not advocate separatism or violence.
Argument Against Preventive Detention Basis
The petition maintains preventive detention cannot rely solely on pending criminal cases. It notes these matters are already being tried by competent courts. Each FIR is being examined independently.
No imminent or overarching threat has been demonstrated to warrant NSA invocation. The legal battle continues as the court seeks original documentation for proper adjudication.
