Punjab Police Top Officers Request More Time in Delhi Assembly Privilege Dispute
Three high-ranking Punjab Police officers have formally asked for a ten-day extension to reply to notices from the Delhi Legislative Assembly. The notices concern a First Information Report (FIR) registered in connection with a controversial video involving AAP leader Atishi.
Officers Seek Extension Citing Natural Justice
Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, Special DGP for Cyber Crime V Neerja, and Jalandhar Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur submitted identical letters to the Delhi Vidhan Sabha Secretariat. They requested the additional time to present the factual details of the case to the Speaker. The officers emphasized this request was made without prejudice and in the interest of natural justice.
The core issue involves an FIR filed by the Jalandhar Police. The police used footage from the Delhi Assembly's proceedings on January 6 without prior authorization. This action prompted the Assembly to issue breach-of-privilege notices to the three officers, demanding an explanation within 48 hours.
The Atishi Video Controversy Explained
The dispute centers on a video clip from a Delhi Assembly debate. The debate focused on a government program marking the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru. The clip captured a speech by Atishi, who serves as the Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly.
BJP leaders, including Delhi Law Minister Kapil Mishra, later shared the clip on social media. They alleged Atishi made derogatory remarks insulting the Sikh Guru. The Aam Aadmi Party and Atishi strongly denied these allegations. They countered that the video was edited and doctored to misrepresent her statements.
Swift Police Action and Forensic Findings
Amid concerns over communal harmony, the Punjab Police acted quickly. The Jalandhar Police Commissionerate registered an FIR on the night of January 7. The case was filed against Kapil Mishra and others under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.
The police downloaded the video from social media and sent it for forensic analysis. The Punjab Forensic Science Laboratory in Mohali examined the footage. Their report, dated January 9, concluded the video was manipulated. The forensic analysis found that Atishi did not utter the words "Guru" or "gurus" in her original speech.
Assembly's Stance and Political Reactions
The Delhi Assembly views its proceedings as proprietary. Officials considered the police's use of the footage a direct violation of the House's privileges. Speaker Vijender Gupta described the FIR as unfortunate and an infringement on the Assembly's dignity. He initially gave the officers 48 hours to respond, later extending the deadline to January 15.
Political reactions have been sharp. Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar questioned the police's timing. He noted the force sought ten days to respond to the notice but completed a forensic examination in one day. Jakhar also contrasted this with police silence on demands for a probe into another video involving the Punjab Chief Minister.
The video row escalated rapidly across party lines. Shares came from BJP, Congress, and Shiromani Akali Dal figures. The AAP organized protests, calling the sharing of the clip an act of sacrilege against Sikh sentiments. They demanded action against those spreading what they termed a fake video.
This case highlights the tensions between state police authority and legislative privilege. It also underscores the challenges of policing digital content in politically charged environments. The ten-day extension request now places the next move with the Delhi Assembly Speaker.
