New Delhi, February 14 – The Committee on Privileges of the Delhi Legislative Assembly has directed the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Government of Punjab, to submit his written reply on February 20 regarding the alleged remarks attributed to Atishi, the Leader of the Opposition in the city.
The Director General of Police, Punjab, and the Commissioner of Police, Jalandhar, have also been asked to submit their replies by the same date, treating it as the last and final opportunity to provide the comments and material sought by the Committee, according to a Delhi Assembly official in a statement.
The Committee has requested specific documents from the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Government of Punjab, including copies of the complaint and 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 registered by the Jalandhar Police following a complaint alleging the circulation of a "manipulated" version of a video clip related to Atishi’s statement in the Delhi Assembly, which was perceived as objectionable and disrespectful towards Sikh Gurus.
The statement informed the Punjab government and police officials that their replies and documents were required to be submitted within the stipulated time for consideration by the Committee in accordance with the Rules of Procedure, otherwise they may be treated as a breach of privilege and contempt.
Earlier, while seeking more time to respond, the Office of the Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Home Affairs, Government of Punjab, on February 12 stated that prior to the Delhi Assembly Secretariat's communication on February 5, no direct communication had been received in the matter.
The Punjab government's letter stated that comments from the Director General of Police, Punjab, the Commissioner of Police, Jalandhar, and the Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory, Punjab, had been forwarded to the relevant offices in Delhi.
It was also noted that a comprehensive, formal consolidated reply is being finalised and has been submitted for approval by the competent authority.
The matter pertains to complaints of breach of privilege and contempt arising from statements made on the floor of the House and the subsequent action initiated by the Punjab Police.
The Committee on Privileges is presently examining the matter, including the conduct of the authorities and the handling of communications and information sought by the Delhi Legislative Assembly Secretariat.