Delhi Assembly committee summons top Punjab officials over privilege matter
The committee is scheduled to hold its sitting on February 27 to deliberate on issues arising from alleged remarks attributed to Atishi, Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly
The Delhi Assembly’s Privileges Committee on Saturday issued summons to three senior officials of the Government of Punjab — the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), the Director General of Police (DGP), and the Commissioner of Police, Jalandhar — directing them to appear in person before the committee on February 27.
The summons has been issued under the relevant Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the House in connection with an ongoing privilege matter.
The committee is scheduled to hold its sitting on February 27 to deliberate on issues arising from alleged remarks attributed to Atishi, Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly.
According to the Secretariat, the written replies submitted by the concerned Punjab officials pursuant to the committee’s earlier directions have been taken on record and will be examined during the forthcoming sitting.
However, the committee has reiterated that matters of privilege are personal to the individuals concerned and must be answered in their individual capacity, as conveyed earlier in the Secretariat’s communication dated February 13.
The committee recalled that the officers had been granted time until February 20, treated as the last and final opportunity — to submit their written responses along with supporting material.
The committee had specifically sought copies of the original complaint that formed the basis of the FIR, the FIR itself, and the relevant technical and forensic reports relied upon by the Punjab authorities.
The chairperson of the committee has also noted that the opinion furnished by the Advocate General, Government of Punjab, does not fully address the concerns raised by the Delhi Assembly.
While the opinion will be considered during the examination of the matter, the committee has sought a complete copy of the Advocate General’s opinion to be submitted by February 27.
In the meantime, the Additional Chief Secretary (Home-II), the DGP, and the Commissioner of Police, Jalandhar, have been directed to comply with the committee’s instructions. Separate notices and summons have been issued to the officials with the prior approval of the chairperson of the committee.
