NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has told the Delhi High Court that it is awaiting a detailed report from Punjab authorities before taking a decision on Waris Punjab De’s application to register as a political party.
The Commission’s position emerged during proceedings on a petition by the organisation seeking an early decision on its registration application. The development was first reported by Bar & Bench, which cited the ECI’s submissions before the court.
According to the ECI’s affidavit, the Commission received an objection on July 9, 2026, raising concerns about alleged separatist links and the organisation’s commitment to the sovereignty and integrity of India. The allegations are yet to be established.
The Commission said it referred the matter to Punjab’s Chief Electoral Officer on July 14, seeking a comprehensive inquiry into the organisation’s background. The report had not been received despite reminders, the ECI told the court.
The affidavit also traced the registration process. Waris Punjab De submitted its application on January 22, 2025, which was acknowledged by the Commission on February 6 that year. After scrutiny, the ECI communicated deficiencies in the application on September 10, 2025. The corrected documents were submitted on January 16, 2026.
The Commission said the Punjab CEO had earlier submitted a positive verification report on April 27, 2026, before the subsequent objection was received.
Opposing the plea for an early decision, the ECI argued that registration under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, involved substantive scrutiny and could not be treated as a routine administrative exercise. It also disputed the organisation’s concern that the delay could affect its prospects of obtaining a common election symbol for the Punjab Assembly elections.
Waris Punjab De was founded in 2021 by actor-activist Deep Sidhu. The organisation is currently headed by Amritpal Singh, who is in jail and represents Khadoor Sahib in the Lok Sabha.
The matter was heard by Justice Saurabh Banerjee on November 4 and has been listed for further hearing on January 11, 2027. The court has not made any finding on the allegations or decided the organisation’s registration plea.
Source credit — This report is based on the ECI’s submissions as detailed in the court proceedings and first reported by Bar & Bench.
(With inputs from media reports)