In an unprecedented turn of events, two incarcerated leaders, Amritpal Singh and Engineer Rashid, took their oaths as Members of Parliament under heavy security on July 5. Their swearing-in, while under parole, has intensified the political discourse surrounding their controversial elections and the stringent security measures in place.
Leaders Granted Parole for Oath-Taking
Amritpal Singh, a radical Sikh preacher, and Engineer Rashid, a prominent Kashmiri leader, were escorted to the Parliament complex by security personnel. Singh, 31, is detained in Assam’s Dibrugarh prison under the National Security Act, while Rashid, 56, is imprisoned in Delhi’s Tihar jail on charges related to terror funding under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Both leaders won their seats in the Lok Sabha elections from Khadoor Sahib in Punjab and Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir, respectively, as independent candidates. They could not take their oaths alongside other elected members on June 24 and 25 due to their incarceration.
Security Measures and Conditions of Parole
Rashid was granted a two-hour custody parole, excluding travel time, to take his oath. Singh was given a four-day custody parole to facilitate his travel from Assam to Delhi and back. Their parole conditions explicitly prohibited them and their family members from speaking to the media or making any public statements during this period.
Parole for MPs
Amritpal Singh, known for his Khalistani sympathies and leadership of the ‘Waris Punjab De’ outfit, was allowed to meet his family in Delhi. Rashid’s family could only attend his oath-taking ceremony. The parole for Rashid, who has been jailed since 2019, was sanctioned by a Delhi court. Singh’s parole was granted by the Amritsar district magistrate following his arrest in April 2023 for a violent incident at a police station.
Political and Security Implications
The swearing-in ceremony was marked by stringent security protocols, with the Delhi Police and Punjab Police coordinating closely with the Lok Sabha Secretariat. This arrangement underscored the sensitivity and potential risks associated with the temporary release of these high-profile prisoners.
The presence of these leaders in Parliament, albeit under parole, has ignited significant political debate. Critics argue that their swearing-in while under detention highlights loopholes in the political and legal systems. Supporters, however, see it as a testament to their political influence and the will of their constituents.
Background and Legal Context
Engineer Rashid, a former MLA, was implicated in a terror funding case involving Kashmiri businessman Zahoor Watali. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had previously filed charges against several individuals, including Rashid, for allegedly supporting terrorist activities in the Kashmir Valley. Meanwhile, Amritpal Singh, who models himself after the notorious Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, faces charges under the National Security Act along with nine associates.
Conclusion
The swearing-in of Amritpal Singh and Engineer Rashid, under parole, as Lok Sabha members represents a unique and contentious moment in Indian politics. It underscores the complex interplay between legal processes, political rights, and national security. As the debate continues, the focus remains on the implications of their elections and the broader impact on the political landscape.
Summary Table: Key Learning Points
| Key Learning Points |
|---|
| Amritpal Singh and Engineer Rashid took oaths as Lok Sabha members under parole. |
| Stringent security measures were in place during the swearing-in ceremony. |
| Both leaders won their seats while incarcerated, highlighting legal and political complexities. |
| Parole conditions restricted them from media interactions and public statements. |
| Their cases underscore ongoing debates about national security and political rights. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
