The Delhi Assembly Speaker, Vijender Gupta, has forwarded the Punjab Police’s actions in the Atishi video controversy to the House Committee of Privileges for a thorough investigation. This move comes after a complaint by Delhi Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra, with the Speaker citing a potential breach of privilege and contempt of the House. The Punjab Director General of Police and the Jalandhar Police Commissioner’s roles will be scrutinized by the Privileges Committee.
The issue revolves around the Punjab Police registering an FIR based on a complaint by Iqbal Singh regarding an allegedly manipulated video clip of statements made by Leader of Opposition Atishi in the Delhi Assembly on January 6, 2026. Despite the Punjab Police being informed by the Assembly Secretariat that the matter was already under consideration, an FIR was lodged, and public statements were issued accusing tampering of Assembly proceedings.
The Speaker found the explanations provided by the Punjab DGP and the Jalandhar Police Commissioner unsatisfactory, as they contended that the alleged acts were carried out by individuals unconnected to the Delhi Assembly. Essential documents, including the complaint, FIR, and forensic reports, were not provided to the Delhi Assembly Secretariat despite repeated requests.
An independent forensic report from the Delhi FSL confirmed that Atishi’s statements were indeed made during the Assembly proceedings as recorded. Dismissing claims of sub judice, the Speaker emphasized that such restrictions are self-imposed and do not apply to matters involving breach of privilege. The Privileges Committee has been tasked with investigating the conduct of key individuals involved and submitting a report to the House.
