New Delhi, January 10, 2026 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau) : In a rare and constitutionally sensitive development, the Delhi Legislative Assembly has formally taken strong exception to the Punjab Police’s registration of an FIR concerning an allegedly doctored video clip involving Delhi’s Leader of Opposition, Atishi Marlena, asserting that the matter squarely falls within the exclusive jurisdiction of the House and its privileges. The Speaker of the Delhi Assembly has in separate letters directed the Director General of Police, Punjab, DGP, DGP (Cyber Crime) and Commissioner of Police Jalandhar, to submit a comprehensive written explanation along with all related records within 48 hours.
According to an official notice issued on Friday by the Delhi Legislative Assembly Secretariat, the controversy arises from a press release claiming that an FIR was lodged by the Jalandhar Police Commissionerate over a video clip of the Delhi Assembly proceedings dated January 6, 2026. He has mentioned that the press note issued by Punjab Police further alleged that the video, which purportedly contained remarks attributed to Atishi concerning Sikh Gurus, had been forensically examined and found to be deliberately doctored.
The Secretary of Delhi Assembly Secretariat Ranjeet Singh said the matter was formally brought to the attention of the Speaker during the House sitting on January 9. The Secretariat confirmed that the Assembly is already seized of the issue relating to Atishi’s statement and that the case has been referred to the Committee of Privileges. Significantly, at the request of Opposition members themselves, the controversial video has already been forwarded for forensic examination under the supervision of the House.
In unusually direct language, the Assembly has expressed “grave concern” over the Punjab Police’s action, stating that the proceedings of the House are privileged and remain the exclusive property of the Legislature. The Speaker has taken cognizance of the situation and sought an explanation on how Punjab Police could have initiated action in a matter that falls within the protected domain of legislative privilege.
The notice instructs the Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav to submit a complete explanation of the sequence of events, accompanied by all supporting documents including the FIR, complaint copy, and forensic laboratory reports, on or before January 12, 2026.
“This matter is exclusively within the domain of the privileged House,” the communication states, underlining that any complaint related to House proceedings must first be brought before the Speaker prior to any external action.
The Secretary informed that the directive has been issued with the approval of the Speaker, marking a significant moment in the evolving relationship between law enforcement authority and constitutional legislative safeguards.
Political observers view the confrontation as a potential test case on the limits of Punjab police jurisdiction vis-à-vis legislative privilege of Delhi Speaker, with implications that may extend well beyond the immediate controversy.
