"Special session may be convened if if required": Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta

New Delhi [India], January 16 (ANI): Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, Vijender Gupta, said a special session of the House may be convened if needed, emphasising that all decisions on the matter must be taken by the Assembly itself to uphold its dignity and democratic accountability.
"In view of the gravity of the issue, the dignity of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, and the need to uphold democratic accountability, a special session of the House may be convened if required, as all decisions in this matter must be taken by the House itself and nowhere else,' he said while addressing the media.
Gupta further stated that the Delhi Legislative Assembly Secretariat has issued a formal notice to the Director, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Punjab, seeking a detailed response along with the basis of the report, with time granted up to 22 January for submission, underscoring that the House will not permit any dilution of truth or interference with due process, according to the release.
Gupta stated that the matter concerns references relating to the great Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, whose supreme sacrifice stands as an eternal symbol of conscience, courage, and protection of faith.
The Speaker further underscored that both the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the House are constitutional voices of the people, and they carry an equal responsibility to respect public sentiment and the collective voice of the people expressed through the Assembly.
Further, the Speaker stated that, to ensure complete verification of facts, notices have been issued to the relevant authorities. Replies have been received from the Director General of Police, Punjab, and the Commissioner of Police, Jalandhar. The DGP, Punjab, has been granted additional time to submit a response up to 22 January 2026 due to personal reasons. The Commissioner of Police, Jalandhar, has also been granted additional time owing to official engagements related to a VVIP visit.
With regard to forensic examination, the Speaker stated that a written reply has been submitted by the Special Director General of Police (Cyber Crime), Punjab, clarifying that the Cyber Crime wing has no operational or investigative role in the incident.
This reply is presently under detailed examination, and the officer may be asked to appear personally to further clarify the position, so that there remains no ambiguity and the truth is fully established on record.
Gupta further informed that the Committee on Privileges of the Delhi Legislative Assembly has initiated proceedings in the matter.
A notice has been issued to Atishi, Leader of the Opposition, regarding an alleged breach of privilege, and she is requested to provide a written reply by 19 January 2026. The Speaker clarified that the reference to the Committee on Privileges was made on the floor of the House itself, and that further actions, including sending material for forensic examination, were undertaken with the support of both the ruling party and the opposition.
Providing background, the Speaker recalled that the issue arose during the proceedings of the House on 6 January, leading to serious disruption of legislative business.
On 7 January, the transcript of the proceedings was read out verbatim in the Assembly. Despite repeated opportunities being extended to Atishi, Leader of Opposition, to clarify her position or express regret before the House, no clarification was placed on record, resulting in an extremely disturbed atmosphere that compelled the adjournment of proceedings.
Emphasising the constitutional dimension of the issue, the Speaker stated that the matter goes to the heart of legislative dignity and democratic functioning. The Speaker expressed concern over attempts to undermine constitutional institutions and reiterated that the Assembly will not tolerate any effort to obstruct investigation, interfere with scientific processes, or weaken the authority of the House.
Gupta stated that the Delhi Legislative Assembly will discharge its constitutional responsibility without fear or favour. (ANI)