Assembly – Delhi House Summons Punjab DGP in Privilege Dispute
Assembly – The Delhi Assembly has directed several senior Punjab officials, including the state’s Director General of Police, to personally appear before its Privileges Committee following a dispute linked to remarks allegedly made by Leader of Opposition Atishi during the winter session earlier this year.
The move comes amid heightened political tension after Bharatiya Janata Party legislators accused Atishi of making objectionable comments concerning Sikh Gurus. The allegations surfaced after a video clip from the January proceedings of the Assembly began circulating, prompting protests from BJP members inside the House.
Privilege Panel Seeks Personal Appearance
According to an official communication issued by the Delhi Assembly Secretariat, the summons have been sent to the Punjab government’s Home Department. The letter, addressed to the department’s undersecretary, requests the presence of key officials before the committee on February 27.
Those asked to appear include Punjab’s Additional Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police, and the Commissioner of Police, Jalandhar. The Assembly has stated that the officers will be given sufficient opportunity to present their position and clarify matters related to the case.
The Privileges Committee, which examines issues concerning the rights and immunities of legislators and the House, is currently reviewing the circumstances surrounding the controversy. The committee’s proceedings are expected to focus on whether any breach of legislative privilege has occurred.
Allegations Spark Political Tension
The dispute traces back to the winter session of the Delhi Assembly held in January. BJP members alleged that Atishi’s comments during a debate were disrespectful toward Sikh Gurus, a claim she has not publicly elaborated on in detail within the House since the controversy arose.
The matter escalated when Punjab Police reportedly registered a First Information Report in connection with the alleged remarks. However, the Delhi Assembly has indicated that it has not yet received official copies of the FIR or the accompanying forensic examination report linked to the circulated video clip.
The absence of these documents has become a central concern for the Privileges Committee, which is seeking to understand the sequence of events, the authenticity of the video recording, and the legal steps taken thereafter.
Awaiting FIR and Forensic Report
Assembly officials have made it clear that the committee is still waiting for crucial records from Punjab authorities. These include a certified copy of the FIR and the forensic analysis report that would verify the contents and integrity of the video footage forming the basis of the allegations.
Without these documents, members of the committee say it is difficult to fully assess the claims or determine whether any action infringed upon the privileges of the House or its members.
The decision to summon senior Punjab officials underscores the seriousness with which the Delhi Assembly is treating the issue. Legislative privilege matters are generally handled with caution, as they involve questions about the autonomy of elected representatives and the functioning of democratic institutions.
Broader Institutional Implications
The case also highlights the intersection of legislative proceedings and law enforcement actions taken outside the Assembly. Questions may arise about jurisdiction, procedural fairness, and the balance between state police powers and legislative privilege.
Political observers note that such developments can strain relations between state administrations, especially when disputes involve high-ranking officials and sensitive subjects. However, the final determination will rest with the Privileges Committee after it hears submissions from the summoned officers.
The hearing scheduled for February 27 is expected to provide greater clarity on the procedural aspects of the case and the next steps, if any, to be taken by the Assembly.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring due process and allowing all concerned parties to present their accounts before the committee reaches any conclusions.