Legal Questions Arise: Can a Person Jailed under NSA Contest Elections?
Amritpal Singh, currently incarcerated in a jail in Assam under the National Security Act (NSA), is reportedly set to run as an Independent candidate in the Lok Sabha elections from Punjab's Khadoor Sahib constituency, according to his lawyer.
Rajdev Singh Khalsa, representing Amritpal Singh, disclosed that his client is considering entering the electoral fray despite being held under the NSA. Khalsa, a former Member of Parliament, stated that he had discussions with Amritpal Singh during a visit to Dibrugarh Jail in Assam, where he is detained.
"Speaking to Amritpal, I told him that the people of Punjab have been requesting him to contest the elections. Amritpal Singh, head of the ‘Waris Punjab de’ organization, can contest the election from Khadur Sahib as an independent candidate," Khalsa revealed.
Khalsa emphasized that Amritpal Singh agreed to contest the elections in the interest of the Khalsa Panth, and he is willing to run as an independent candidate without affiliating with any political party or using any party's symbol.
However, legal experts have raised questions about whether a person detained under the NSA can participate in elections.
"It is not yet clear whether a person jailed under NSA can contest elections or not," Khalsa acknowledged.
Amritpal Singh's potential candidacy has stirred anticipation and debate in Punjab's political landscape. If he decides to run, his candidacy could significantly impact the dynamics of the electoral contest in Khadoor Sahib constituency.
As discussions continue about Amritpal Singh's eligibility to contest elections, his decision to enter the political arena adds a new dimension to the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Punjab.
