Election Commission tells high court: Sensitive info received against 'Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De)'

The Election Commission of India stated in an affidavit filed in the Delhi High Court that highly sensitive information has been received against registering 'Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De)' as a political party. According to the commission, granting recognition to this organisation could adversely affect the unity, sovereignty and integrity of the country.

In the reply filed before the bench of Justice Saurabh Banerjee, the commission stated that according to objections received in the month of July, the roots of this organisation are linked to separatism and it has been prepared by persons detained under the National Security Act (NSA).

According to the Election Commission, the Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab had sent a positive verification report regarding the institution on 27 April 2026. However, after serious objections regarding the organisation came to light on 9 July, the provincial election officer was asked to conduct an in-depth probe and submit a fresh report, which has not been received yet.

This hearing in the court was taking place on a petition filed by Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), seeking directions to the Election Commission to decide on their application dated 22 January 2025 within a week. Justice Saurabh Banerjee has fixed the next hearing of this case for 11 January 2027.

The Election Commission told the court that further action under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act would be possible only after receiving a detailed report from the Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab, therefore this petition should be disposed of.

It is noteworthy that in January 2025, Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh's father and Faridkot MP Sarabjit Singh Khalsa had announced the formation of a new political party under the name 'Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De)'.

Key developments

• The Election Commission told the Delhi High Court that sensitive objections have been received regarding the background of the organisation.
• The Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab has been asked to re-verify the matter in depth.
• The High Court has scheduled the next hearing on this petition for 11 January 2027.