No immediate risk to MP Amritpal Singh’s seat despite prolonged absence, court told

The Punjab and Haryana High Court was told Tuesday that there is no immediate threat to the parliamentary membership of Amritpal Singh, despite his absence from Parliament for 59 consecutive sitting days.

According to submissions made before the court, Singh still has the option to formally apply for leave, which is typically considered by the relevant parliamentary committee. The update was provided during proceedings related to his continued absence.

Under parliamentary rules, if a member is absent for 60 consecutive sittings without permission, the House may declare the seat vacant. However, the court was informed that mechanisms exist to review such absences on a case-by-case basis.

Officials noted that Parliament’s “condonation of absence” committee can examine circumstances such as illness, accidents, or detention when deciding whether to grant leave to a member. Singh has already been informed of his right to apply for such leave.