Punjab opposes Amritpal Singh’s parole, stating MPs cannot be restricted in Parliament. Winter session debate now in spotlight.

Days after Lok Sabha member Amritpal Singh filed a petition with the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking a temporary release to participate in the current winter session of Parliament, Punjab today opposed the request, asserting that no individual could, even indirectly, “pre-approve or restrict” what an MP might express on the floor of the House.The submission by senior counsel Anupam Gupta on behalf of the state was made less than two weeks after he informed the Bench that even a single speech by the detained Member of Parliament could ignite the five rivers.Appearing before the bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry, Gupta opposed Amritpal’s parole application, asserting that once an elected representative assumes office in Parliament, no undertaking, administrative assurance, or judicial condition can restrict his freedom of expression.

Once he is granted entry to Parliament, he possesses an unequivocal right to express any remarks he wishes. Counsel for the petitioner may, at his discretion and with due diligence, present the court with any number of items on which his client will testify. He stated that his client is not subject to any such commitment.

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Gupta, during the course of the hearing, cited Article 105 of the Constitution, which confers powers, privileges, and immunities upon Parliament and its members. This article guarantees free speech during debates, provides immunity from court proceedings for statements made or votes cast within the House, and affirms the right to publish proceedings—all essential for the independent functioning of the legislature.

The senior advocate stated: “You are not permitted to silence anyone.” You are not permitted to summon the marshals to prevent him from expressing his speech or what he intends to say. The Speaker solely oversees the conduct of proceedings within the House.

The submissions were made following Chief Justice Nagu’s request for Amritpal’s counsel, RS Bains, to specify the subject he intended to address and to outline his preparations for it. Bains responded that the Member of Parliament would address the issue of floods, as over 1,000 villages had been impacted and those afflicted sought representation in Parliament. Furthermore, Bains stated that he had all the time in the world to prepare. The submissions persisted for over an hour. The matter is now anticipated to be discussed once more on Monday.