The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday concluded hearings on jailed MP Amritpal Singh’s parole petition, calling it “virtually infructuous” as Parliament’s winter session had already ended. The division bench, led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, noted that transporting Amritpal from Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam to Delhi by helicopter would take over 10 hours, making any approval meaningless by the session’s close. Complications from a lawyers’ boycott between December 15-17 further delayed key arguments.

Amritpal, the independent MP from Khadoor Sahib, had sought temporary release under NSA Section 15 in mid-November to attend the parliamentary sessions starting December 1. Punjab had rejected the request on November 26, citing security concerns, prompting the court challenge. Despite earlier judicial encouragement for a speedy decision, timing and logistical hurdles prevented relief.

Since his 2024 landslide victory and brief oath-taking parole, Amritpal—detained under the NSA since April 2023 for alleged pro-Khalistan activities—has missed every Parliament sitting. His case highlights the broader challenge of detained lawmakers trying to fulfill legislative duties while in custody. The court indicated it could reconsider parole for future sessions.

The ruling underscores the practical difficulties of enabling participation for prisoners from distant locations, likely shaping future parole considerations. While supporters decry the lack of representation, authorities continue to prioritize security, reflecting the ongoing tension between democratic responsibilities and safety in Indian politics.