New Delhi, 16 January (H.S.): The Delhi Legislative Assembly Secretariat has issued a notice to the Director of Punjab's Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in connection with a video involving Leader of Opposition Atishi. Additionally, Atishi has received a notice for alleged breach of privilege, with a request to submit a written response by January 19.

Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta addressed a press conference at his residence on Friday, stating, The Assembly Secretariat has today served a notice on the Punjab FSL Director, seeking a detailed reply including the basis of the report. He has been given time until January 22 for this purpose. The Delhi Assembly House will not permit any interference in the legal process of this matter.

He emphasized that given the gravity of the entire issue, the dignity of the Delhi Assembly, and the need to uphold democratic accountability, a special session of the House could be convened.

All decisions in this matter must be taken solely by the House, and nowhere else, Gupta added.Gupta described the issue as linked to references concerning Sikh Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, whose supreme sacrifice stands as an eternal symbol of protecting conscience, courage, and faith. He noted that bowing one's head at the feet of the Gurus is a matter of fortune and devotion, deeply embedded in India's civilizational and ethical traditions.

Only those lacking sensitivity, emotion, and reverence fail to accept this truth with dignity, he remarked.

Gupta further underlined that both the Leader of Opposition and the Leader of the House represent the constitutional voice of the people, bearing equal responsibility to honor public sentiments and aspirations expressed through the Assembly.

The Speaker informed that notices have been issued to relevant authorities to ensure complete verification of facts. Responses have been received from Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP) and the Jalandhar Police Commissioner. The DGP has been granted time until January 22, 2026, due to personal reasons to submit his reply.

The Jalandhar Police Commissioner has been given an extension owing to official engagements related to a VVIP visit.Regarding the forensic examination, Gupta revealed that Punjab's Special Director General of Police (Cyber Crime) has submitted a written response, clarifying that the Cyber Crime Branch has no operational or investigative role in this incident.

This response is currently under detailed scrutiny, and the concerned officer may be summoned in person to eliminate any ambiguity and fully establish the truth on record.Gupta disclosed that the Delhi Assembly's Privilege Committee has initiated action in the matter.

Leader of Opposition Atishi has been served a notice for the alleged privilege breach, with a request to furnish a written reply by January 19, 2026. He clarified that the reference was placed on the House's table by the Privilege Committee, and all subsequent proceedings—including sending the video for forensic examination—were conducted with the support of both the ruling party and the opposition.

Recounting the background, the Speaker stated that the issue surfaced during House proceedings on January 6, causing serious disruption to legislative business. On January 7, the verbatim transcript of the proceedings was read out in the House.

Leader of Opposition Atishi was repeatedly given opportunities to clarify her position or express regret before the House, but no explanation was placed on record. Consequently, the House proceedings were disrupted multiple times.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar