The Committee of Privileges of the Delhi Legislative Assembly has instructed the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) of the Punjab Government to provide a written response by February 20 regarding alleged remarks attributed to Atishi, the Leader of Opposition in the city. Additionally, the Director General of Police, Punjab, and the Commissioner of Police, Jalandhar, have been given the same deadline to submit their replies, considered the final opportunity for providing the requested comments and materials.
Specific documents have been requested from the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Government of Punjab, including copies of the complaint, enclosures forming the basis of the FIR, the FIR itself, the report of the Social Media Expert (Technical Cell), Punjab Police, and the report of the Forensic Science Laboratory, Punjab. The FIR was filed by Jalandhar Police following a complaint about the circulation of a “doctored” video clip related to Atishi’s statement in the Delhi Assembly, which was deemed disrespectful towards Sikh Gurus.
The Punjab government and police officials have been informed that their responses and documents must be submitted within the stipulated time for review by the Committee in line with the Rules of Procedure. Failure to comply may be viewed as a breach of privilege and contempt. The Office of the Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Home Affairs, Government of Punjab, had previously requested more time to respond, stating that they had not received direct communication on the matter before February 5.
A comprehensive consolidated reply is being finalized by the Punjab government, as per the letter sent to the relevant offices in Delhi. The issue revolves around complaints of breach of privilege and contempt arising from statements made in the House and the subsequent actions taken by the Punjab Police. The Committee of Privileges is currently investigating the matter, focusing on the conduct of authorities and the handling of communications and information requested by the Delhi Legislative Assembly Secretariat.
