Assembly – Privileges Committee Reviews Punjab Officials’ Submissions
Assembly – A high-level meeting of the Committee on Privileges of the Delhi Legislative Assembly took place on Friday within the Assembly complex, drawing attention to an ongoing matter linked to alleged remarks made during a House debate. Senior officials from Punjab appeared before the panel and placed their responses on record as part of the inquiry.
Senior Punjab Officials Present Submissions
Among those who attended the session were Alok Shekhar, Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Punjab; Gaurav Yadav, Director General of Police, Punjab; and Dhanpreet Kaur, Police Commissioner of Jalandhar. The officials addressed questions raised by the committee and submitted relevant documents and clarifications sought in connection with the case under review.
The appearance of these officials followed formal notices issued by the committee as it continues to gather information. Members of the panel are examining the details before arriving at any conclusions.
Report to Be Tabled Before the House
Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta confirmed that the committee is still in the process of reviewing the material placed before it. He said the duration of the inquiry cannot be specified at this stage, as the panel must carefully consider all aspects of the matter.
Once the committee completes its findings, the report will be presented before the House. Members of the Assembly will then deliberate on the recommendations outlined in the document. The final determination, the Speaker said, will rest with the Chair after assessing the committee’s observations and the broader context.
Emphasis on Legislative Privileges
The Speaker underscored that the privileges of the House and its members are fundamental to the functioning of a democratic legislature. According to him, these privileges ensure that elected representatives can participate in debates and decision-making without fear, coercion, or undue influence.
He made it clear that any act perceived as interference, violation, or disregard of these privileges would be treated with seriousness. Maintaining the dignity of the Assembly, he noted, is not merely procedural but central to upholding constitutional values.
Commitment to Due Process
Gupta assured that the proceedings related to the case will adhere strictly to established parliamentary rules. He stressed that the inquiry will remain structured, transparent, and time-bound, in line with legislative procedures.
He further stated that any action taken by the Delhi Legislative Assembly would be guided by fairness and impartiality. The objective, he said, is to ensure that the outcome reflects justice and commands public confidence rather than appearing punitive or politically motivated.
Background of the Controversy
The issue before the Committee on Privileges stems from events that occurred during a session of the House on January 6, 2026. During discussions concerning a Delhi government programme to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, allegations surfaced regarding remarks made by Atishi, Leader of the Opposition.
Claims were raised that certain statements during the debate amounted to disrespect towards Sikh Gurus. The matter subsequently escalated, prompting concerns about legislative privilege and the sanctity of proceedings within the Assembly.
Speaker Gupta described the incident as unfortunate and said that such situations demand careful scrutiny. He reiterated that the Assembly’s response will be based on established norms and constitutional principles, ensuring that the dignity of the institution remains intact.
As the committee continues its examination, attention remains focused on how the findings may shape the Assembly’s next steps. For now, the process remains underway, with the final decision expected only after the report is formally placed before the House and debated.