:dateline:A hearing was held on the petition filed for the permanent release of Bhai Gurmeet Singh, a Sikh political prisoner who was released on parole after the recent hunger strike by Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa. The bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered the Punjab government, Chandigarh Administration, and Burail Jail authorities to reply by January 30th in this regard.
Senior Lawyer, Advocate Amar Singh Chahal who is fighting the legal battle for the release of the Sikh political prisoners, said that it was stated in the petition that the court sentenced Bhai Gurmeet Singh to�14 years imprisonment but he has languished in jail for at least 18 years.
He said, �District magistrate (DC) Patiala has always presented false reports, which is exposed now by the petition lodged for permanent parole. [The] family of Beant Singh cites no objection over the release and environment of Punjab is peaceful as well. So Bhai Gurmeet Singh deserves for permanent release.�
The petitions also mention that if convicts who were facing life imprisonment could be released, as was done recently by the Indian Supreme Court, then why could the court not act in the case of Gurmeet Singh.
Advocate Chahal said that it was human rights abuse and Gurmeet Singh should be granted a permanent release. He mentioned that before this, the application was sent to Burail Jail authorities to release Gurmeet Singh, Lakhwinder Singh, and Shamsher Singh permanently, but the authorities gave no response in this regard and thus they had to knock on the door of the High Court.
Representative of the Bandi Sikh Rihai Morcha, Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema said, �Despite making huge efforts, we were unable to stop Bhai Gurmeet Singh from going back to jail.”
He said that without the interference of the High Court, the permanent release of Bhai Gurmeet Singh would not be possible.
