Delhi Assembly Privileges Committee Takes Action Against Punjab Officials
The Delhi Legislative Assembly's Committee of Privileges has escalated its scrutiny of the Punjab Police's handling of a sensitive case involving former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi. In a significant development, the committee has formally issued notices to three senior Punjab officials: the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), the Director General of Police (DGP), and the Commissioner of Police for Jalandhar. These officials have been directed to submit their detailed written responses by February 12, 2024, addressing complaints of breach of legislative privilege and contempt of the assembly.
Background of the Controversial Case
The controversy stems from an FIR registered by Jalandhar police on January 7, which alleged that a video clip containing remarks about Sikh Gurus, attributed to Atishi and shared by BJP leader Kapil Mishra and others, was doctored. The complaint was filed by AAP worker Iqbal Singh, also known as I S Bagga, targeting Mishra, Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal, Congress MLAs Pargat Singh and Sukhpal Singh Khaira, among others. However, police documentation did not explicitly name these individuals as accused.
Delhi Assembly's Examination and Findings
Following a thorough examination of the Punjab Police's actions, their initial replies, and their refusal to share requested documents, Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel determined there was a prima facie case of breach of privilege and contempt. The Speaker subsequently referred the matter to the Committee of Privileges for a detailed investigation. In letters dispatched on Thursday, the Delhi Assembly Secretary outlined the committee's mandate to examine the conduct of Punjab Police authorities and address the complaint filed by Kapil Mishra.
The committee chairman has now instructed the Punjab officials to provide their written comments to the assembly secretariat by the February 12 deadline for the committee's perusal. Notably, the letter to the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) highlighted a critical lapse: "Certain information and documents requested by this secretariat via notices dated January 10 and January 23 have not been received, despite being forwarded by the Punjab DGP on January 28." The officials have been urged to submit these missing documents along with their comments.
Punjab Police's Defense and Political Reactions
In their earlier replies to the Delhi Assembly Speaker, Punjab Police officers defended the registration of the FIR, asserting they acted strictly in accordance with the law. The police issued a formal statement on January 9 regarding the FIR, which prompted an immediate and strong reaction from the Delhi Speaker on the same day. The case has attracted significant political attention, with senior leaders from BJP, Shiromani Akali Dal, and Congress involved in sharing the contentious video clip.
This development underscores the ongoing tensions between the Delhi and Punjab administrations, particularly concerning jurisdictional and procedural matters in politically sensitive cases. The Committee of Privileges' investigation aims to ensure legislative protocols are upheld and to assess whether Punjab authorities overstepped their bounds in this instance.
