Editor’s Note: Meet and Greet is a special editorial series introducing readers to the personalities who shape Punjab’s political, administrative, social, business, religious, cultural, and public life. The purpose of this series is to provide balanced, well-researched, and informative profiles that explore each individual’s background, career, achievements, challenges, and contributions. These articles are intended to help readers better understand the people who influence public discourse and decision-making in Punjab.
Every profile is prepared using publicly available information and aims to distinguish between verified facts, documented events, and differing viewpoints. The objective is not to promote or criticise any individual but to encourage informed public understanding through factual and contextual reporting. We hope this series becomes a valuable reference for readers interested in Punjab’s evolving leadership and public life
Punjab has produced many distinguished public servants who later entered politics, but few have followed a journey as remarkable as that of Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, the Member of the Punjab Legislative Assembly from Amritsar North. A former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, lawyer, academic, author, and legislator, he has earned recognition for his long career in public service and his willingness to take independent positions on issues of governance and justice.
Born on 6 September 1969, Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh belongs to the 1998 batch of the Indian Police Service (Punjab Cadre). Throughout more than two decades in uniform, he served in several important assignments across Punjab, including Senior Superintendent of Police, Commissioner of Police, Deputy Inspector General, and Inspector General. His policing career exposed him to challenges ranging from law and order and organized crime to cybercrime, border security, and prison reforms.
Education has always been one of the defining features of his personality. He earned postgraduate degrees in Sanskrit Literature and Political Science, completed a Bachelor of Laws from Panjab University, and obtained a Ph.D. in Police Administration from Guru Nanak Dev University. His academic interests have complemented his practical experience, enabling him to contribute to debates on policing, constitutional law, and public administration.
During his police career, Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh received several awards and recognitions, including the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service. He also authored books on cyber laws, the Right to Information, policing, anti-defection law, and public administration, reflecting his commitment to improving governance through both practice and scholarship.
He came into the national spotlight while heading the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that investigated the 2015 sacrilege incidents and the subsequent police firing at Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan. These investigations became some of the most closely watched cases in Punjab’s recent history. While many appreciated his efforts to pursue accountability in sensitive matters, others questioned aspects of the investigations, making the issue one of the most debated chapters of his career.
In April 2021, Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh resigned from the Indian Police Service despite having several years of service remaining. He subsequently entered legal practice before joining active politics, stating that meaningful reforms often require legislative action in addition to administrative experience.
During the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, he contested from Amritsar North and was elected as Member of the Legislative Assembly. His campaign focused on transparent governance, better education, improved civic infrastructure, public accountability, clean drinking water, and youth empowerment. Since entering the Assembly, he has remained active in legislative debates and public issues affecting his constituency and Punjab as a whole.
One characteristic frequently associated with Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh is his independent style of politics. He has often expressed views that differ from those of his own political party, arguing that public interest should remain above partisan considerations. Supporters regard this as evidence of integrity and courage, while critics believe it has sometimes led to political friction.
His political career entered a new phase in 2025 when the Aam Aadmi Party suspended him for alleged anti-party activities after a series of public disagreements. The development generated considerable discussion in Punjab politics, with supporters defending his independence and party leaders emphasizing organizational discipline.
Beyond politics, Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh continues to be recognized for his advocacy of police reforms, transparency, ethical governance, and citizen empowerment. His philosophy of “Power to Empower” emphasizes that elected representatives and public servants should remain accountable to the people and work to strengthen democratic institutions.
Whether viewed as a decorated police officer, an academic, an advocate, or a legislator, Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh has built a public career marked by both achievement and debate. His journey reflects the challenges of balancing administrative experience, legal principles, and political responsibility in one of India’s most politically dynamic states. As Punjab continues to evolve, his contributions and public positions are likely to remain an important part of the state’s political discourse.