Atishi video row: Assembly repeats demand for case documents from Punjab officials
The Delhi Assembly has again sought documents related to a case registered in Punjab’s Jalandhar over a video clip that showed Leader of Opposition Atishi’s alleged remarks against Sikh Gurus.
The Assembly Secretariat on Friday wrote to the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Director General of Police and other officers in Punjab, seeking their replies by February 20.
It has also directed the Additional Chief Secretary of Punjab to submit copies of the FIR registered in Jalandhar, the complaint based on which the case was registered, and the reports of the forensics lab, social media expert and technical cell of the police.
The matter springs from an alleged remark made by Atishi in the winter session of the Delhi Assembly in January.
Further, the Committee of Privileges of the Delhi Legislative Assembly has called for 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 replies and documents are required to be submitted within the stipulated time for consideration by the Committee in accordance with the Rules of Procedure, failing which the same may be treated as constituting a breach of privilege and contempt. “The said date shall be treated as the last and final opportunity for furnishing the comments and material sought by the Committee,” it said. The BJP leaders had alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader’s remark was derogatory against Sikh Gurus and shared a video clip of Assembly recordings on social media.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Police registered a case against the sharing of the video clip, based on a forensic lab report that claimed it was “doctored”.
The issue was later referred to the Delhi Assembly’s Privileges Committee and on the directions of Speaker Vijender Gupta, the video clip was sent for another forensic examination.
