MP Amritpal Singh from the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat in Punjab will cast his vote in the upcoming Vice Presidential election on September 9 from Dibrugarh jail in Assam. The Election Commission has directed the issuance of a postal ballot for this purpose.
Vice President Election: A unique case has emerged ahead of the 2025 Indian Vice Presidential election. Amritpal Singh, the MP from Punjab's Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat, who is currently lodged in Dibrugarh jail in Assam under the National Security Act (NSA), will be voting in the election scheduled for September 9.
The Election Commission has granted him permission to vote via postal ballot. This decision is significant as it allows a Member of Parliament to exercise their constitutional rights even while in detention.
Election Commission's Directive
The office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Punjab issued an official statement stating that the Election Commission has ordered the issuance of a postal ballot to Amritpal Singh, citing Rule 26 of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974. According to the rules, MPs under preventive detention retain the right to vote.
However, the postal ballot can only be issued on the day of voting, and the procedure will be strictly followed. The Election Commission has clarified that Amritpal Singh's vote will be fully valid, just like that of other MPs.
How will voting take place via postal ballot?
As per the established procedure, Amritpal Singh will be provided with a postal ballot within the jail premises on the day of the election. He will fill it out and place it in a sealed envelope. This envelope must reach the polling station within the stipulated time. The Election Commission has directed the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Chief Secretary of the Assam government to ensure the smooth execution of this arrangement. Furthermore, it has been ensured that the ballot will be transported by air from Dibrugarh to Delhi and will reach the Returning Officer before 6 PM on September 9, after which the counting will commence.
Amritpal Singh is currently incarcerated in Dibrugarh Central Jail. Action was taken against him under the National Security Act, 1980. Under normal circumstances, an individual in jail does not have the right to vote, but as a Member of Parliament, he has been granted the benefit of special provisions.
