Amritpal Singh, a pro-Khalistani preacher currently detained in Dibrugarh jail, has requested temporary release to file his nomination for the Lok Sabha elections. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has instructed the Superintendent of Dibrugarh Jail to oversee Singh’s nomination process, with Justice Vinod S Bhardwaj directing the Punjab government to complete the procedures by Monday.
Previously, Singh had petitioned the Punjab-Haryana High Court for a seven-day release to fulfill the nomination requirements before the May 14 deadline. He aims to contest independently from Punjab’s Khadur Sahib Lok Sabha constituency, where voting is set for June 1.
Additionally, Singh has asked for directives for Dibrugarh jail authorities to assist in completing the paperwork for his nomination, including taking his photograph and opening a bank account.
In his plea, Singh mentioned that his father had contacted the Punjab Chief Electoral Officer and Amritsar District Magistrate on May 3 for guidance on the nomination process. Despite the CEO’s communication to the deputy commissioner-cum-district election officer, Tarn Tarn, no instructions were received.
Singh’s arrest in April 2023 under the National Security Act, after evading police for over a month, led to clashes between his supporters and law enforcement, who demanded his release.