NEW DELHI: Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta on Friday said a special session of the House will be convened, “if required”, following the “unfortunate incident” of alleged disrespect towards Sikh Gurus that disrupted proceedings for three days.
The controversy stems from allegations of disrespect towards Sikh Gurus during a discussion in the Assembly on January 6 related to the Delhi government’s programme held last year to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
The issue has since escalated into a major political row involving the BJP in Delhi and the AAP-ruled Punjab.
Addressing a press conference here, Gupta said that on January 7, the verbatim transcript of the January 6 proceedings was read out in the House, after which Atishi was given an opportunity to clarify her position. He said she was also given a chance to explain herself on January 6 itself. The Speaker said that when the issue was first raised, Atishi left the House without responding, even though she could have clarified her stand at that moment.
Gupta said the Assembly Secretariat has issued a notice to the Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Punjab, seeking a detailed response along with the basis of its report, with time granted till January 22. He said the House would not permit any dilution of truth or interference with due process.
The Speaker said replies have been received from the Director General of Police, Punjab, and the Commissioner of Police, Jalandhar, while additional time has been granted to both to submit detailed responses due to personal and official reasons.
On the forensic examination, Gupta said the Special Director General of Police (Cyber Crime), Punjab, has submitted a written reply stating that the cyber crime wing had no operational or investigative role in the matter.
He said the reply is under examination and the officer may be asked to appear for further clarification. Gupta also said the Committee on Privileges of the Delhi Legislative Assembly has initiated proceedings in the matter and issued a notice to Atishi over an alleged breach of privilege, seeking her written reply by January 19.
“If required, the House will convene again to uphold its dignity and the democratic will of the people,” he added.