Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered that Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh will continue to remain in Assam’s Dibrugarh Central Jail even after his preventive detention under the National Security Act (NSA) ends on April 22. The court issued the interim direction while hearing a petition filed by the Punjab government.
During the proceedings, the state government told the court that intelligence inputs suggest Singh’s release could pose a threat to law and order. On this basis, it sought permission to keep him lodged in Dibrugarh jail in connection with multiple cases linked to the Ajnala incident. The state also requested that the trial be conducted through video conferencing.
Citing rulings of the Supreme Court of India, the Punjab government argued that conducting trials via video conferencing is permissible when an accused is lodged in another state.
Opposing the move, Singh’s counsel argued that virtual proceedings make it difficult to seek bail and other legal relief. The defence also pointed out that Singh is named in 11 other FIRs and said all cases should be heard simultaneously.
After hearing both sides, the division bench directed that Singh remain in Dibrugarh jail even after the NSA period expires. It also instructed authorities to ensure adequate video conferencing facilities for trial proceedings and smooth communication between the accused and his lawyers.