Overview
- A division bench directed the Punjab government and other respondents, including the Lok Sabha side and the Union government, to file written replies within 10 days before the matter is taken up next.
- Punjab formally rejected Amritpal Singh’s request for temporary release on February 2–3, citing serious threats to state security and public order.
- Additional Solicitor General Satya Pal Jain told the court there is no provision in Lok Sabha rules for MPs to join House proceedings virtually and that key procedures require physical presence.
- A letter placed on record on behalf of the Speaker said permission for a detained MP to attend must come from the detaining authority or a competent court, noted 37 days of absence, and flagged that absence beyond 60 days can trigger vacancy unless condoned.
- Detained under the National Security Act since April 2023 in Dibrugarh jail, Singh won Khadoor Sahib as an independent and took his oath on July 5, 2024; the Budget Session runs January 28–February 13 and March 9–April 2.