ECI Tells Delhi HC Separatism Objection Blocks Waris Punjab De Registrationਚੋਣ ਕਮਿਸ਼ਨ ਨੇ ਵਾਰਿਸ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਦੀ ਰਜਿਸਟ੍ਰੇਸ਼ਨ ਰੋਕੀ

The Election Commission of India has told the Delhi High Court that a grave and highly sensitive objection is holding up the registration of Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), the political outfit headed by Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh.

What did the Election Commission tell the court?

In an additional counter affidavit filed before the High Court, the Commission said a comprehensive background inquiry ordered from the Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab is still awaited despite reminders. The Commission said it had already completed the routine physical verification of the proposed party's premises and scrutiny of its documentation, and the Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab gave a positive verification report about the premises on 27 April 2026. The Commission has sought disposal of the writ petition, maintaining that the registration process cannot be brought to its conclusion without completing the pending statutory inquiry.

What is the objection?

On 9 July 2026, the Commission received a very sensitive input alleging that Waris Punjab De is rooted in separatism, was founded by individuals detained under the National Security Act, and poses grave concerns regarding its allegiance to the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India. The objection was forwarded to the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, on 14 July 2026 with directions to conduct a comprehensive background inquiry and submit a detailed report. The Commission said in its affidavit of 3 November that the report has still not been received. These are allegations contained in the objection and have not been tested in court.

How did the registration reach this point?

Waris Punjab De submitted its application for registration as a political party on 22 January 2025, and the Commission acknowledged it on 6 February 2025. The organisation approached the High Court seeking an expeditious decision on its application. Registration of a political party under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, is subject to a statutory process and cannot be treated as automatic: the applicant must satisfy the requirements prescribed under the provision, including a commitment to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution and to uphold the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.

What happens next?

Justice Saurabh Banerjee heard the matter on 4 November and listed it for further consideration on 11 January 2027. The court has not expressed any view on the merits of the objection or of the petition. The outfit plans to contest the Punjab Assembly elections due in early 2027 and has said the delay could deprive it of a common election symbol. Amritpal Singh remains in custody in connection with other cases.

What is Waris Punjab De?

It is a political organisation founded in 2021 by actor-activist Deep Sidhu and now headed by Member of Parliament Amritpal Singh. It applied for registration as a political party in January 2025.

Who is Amritpal Singh?

The Member of Parliament from Khadoor Sahib, who is in custody in connection with other cases. He announced the formal launch of Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) in early 2025.

When is the next hearing?

The Delhi High Court will hear the matter next on 11 January 2027.