Supreme Court Declines to Hear Amritpal Singh’s Plea Against NSA Detention, Directs Him to Move High Court

The Supreme Court today refused to entertain a writ petition filed by Punjab MP Amritpal Singh challenging his continued detention under the National Security Act, 1980.

The Court granted liberty to him to approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court, requesting the High Court to decide the matter preferably within six weeks.

A bench, comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria, was hearing the matter when Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves mentioned the plea on behalf of Singh.

At the outset, Justice Kumar observed that the appropriate course would be to move the High Court.

Gonsalves submitted that Singh has been in detention for over two-and-a-half years, based on a single FIR (first information report) in which the chargesheet has already been filed.

He pointed out that the Supreme Court had recently entertained a similar petition filed by Dr. Gitanjali Angmo, wife of Ladakh-based social activist Sonam Wangchuk, challenging his preventive detention under the NSA.

Justice Kumar, however, clarified that the circumstances in the Wangchuk case were distinct as the detainee had been transferred to another State, warranting urgent intervention.

Initially, the bench indicated that the matter could only be listed for final hearing in January or February 2026, which the petitioner opposed, arguing that such a delay would defeat the purpose.

Responding to this, the bench decided to grant liberty to approach the High Court and requested that the High Court dispose of the plea expeditiously within six weeks.

When the matter was subsequently taken up in the presence of Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, the bench reiterated its decision not to entertain the petition at this stage.

The ASG, however, submitted that six weeks may be too short a timeframe for filing of counter-affidavits and replies. In contrast, Gonsalves pressed for disposal within one month.

Justice Kumar remarked that while the Court is inclined to request early disposal, “We are putting a lot of pressure on the High Court judges.”

Nevertheless, the Court maintained its direction, granting Singh the liberty to move the High Court and expecting a decision within the stipulated period.

The petition concerns Singh’s third consecutive detention under the NSA.

The Court clarified that its refusal to entertain the matter does not prevent the petitioner from seeking appropriate relief before the jurisdictional High Court.