Delhi Assembly Considers Special Session Over Atishi Video Row
Speaker Vijender Gupta announced on Friday that the Delhi Legislative Assembly might convene a special session. This move aims to protect democratic dignity in connection with the controversial Atishi video row.
Assembly Seeks Forensic Report by January 22
The assembly secretariat issued a notice to the director of Punjab's Forensic Science Laboratory. It demands a report on the examination of the disputed video clip by January 22.
Officials confirmed that the Punjab director general of police, the Jalandhar commissioner of police, and the Punjab special DGP for cybercrime have already replied to earlier notices. However, the DGP and the CP must submit more detailed replies by the same deadline.
Court Orders Social Media Platforms to Remove Video
This development follows a Jalandhar court order from the previous day. The court directed major social media platforms to remove the controversial video clip. Meta, X, YouTube, and Telegram received the order.
The court specifically targeted social media handles of BJP, Congress, and Shiromani Akali Dal functionaries. The Forensic Science Laboratory report, submitted by Jalandhar police, served as a key basis for this judicial decision.
Controversy Over Alleged Disrespect to Sikh Guru
The disputed video clip originates from a recent assembly session. It has sparked serious allegations of disrespect to Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur.
BJP legislators accused opposition leader Atishi of making remarks that hurt religious sentiments. They demanded her disqualification from the assembly.
AAP countered these allegations by claiming the video was doctored. The party sought disqualification of BJP minister Kapil Mishra for sharing the manipulated clip.
Police Investigation and Assembly Action
Punjab Police conducted a forensic examination of the video clip. Their investigation concluded that the video was indeed doctored.
Police also lodged a First Information Report in this connection. This prompted the Delhi Assembly to issue notices to three senior police officers.
Speaker Emphasizes Democratic Accountability
Speaker Vijender Gupta addressed the media during a press conference on Friday. He stressed the gravity of the situation and the need to uphold democratic accountability.
"In view of the gravity of the issue, the dignity of Delhi Legislative Assembly and the need to uphold democratic accountability, a special session of the house may be convened, if required," Gupta stated.
He emphasized that all decisions in this matter must be taken by the house itself through established parliamentary procedures.
AAP Seeks Privilege Action Against BJP Minister
AAP chief whip Sanjeev Jha wrote to the speaker on Friday. He cited the Jalandhar court's observation that the video is fake.
Jha demanded breach of privilege action against BJP minister Kapil Mishra. He argued that editing assembly-related material in a fabricated manner constitutes a serious violation.
"It is an established principle under the privileges of Delhi Legislative Assembly that the proceedings, records and references of the house cannot be misused," Jha wrote in his letter.
He described the circulation of doctored material to provoke religious sentiments as clear contempt of the house. Jha requested that the matter be forwarded to the privileges committee for further action.
Privileges Committee Already Investigating
The assembly's privileges committee has already taken notice of the controversy. It issued a notice to Atishi, asking her to provide a written reply by January 19.
This ongoing investigation adds another layer to the complex political and legal battle surrounding the controversial video.
