New Delhi: The political and constitutional confrontation between the Delhi Assembly and the Punjab Police over the controversial Atishi video has taken a new turn, with senior Punjab Police officials seeking 10 days’ time to respond to notices issued by the Delhi Assembly Speaker.
The development comes after the Director General of Punjab Cyber Crime and the Jalandhar Police Commissioner wrote to the Delhi Assembly, requesting additional time to submit their replies—well after the 48-hour deadline originally fixed by the Speaker had expired.
What Triggered the Row
The controversy revolves around a video featuring Delhi minister Atishi, which the Punjab Police reportedly examined and described as “doctored.” Based on this assessment, an FIR was registered in Punjab against Delhi minister Kapil Mishra, triggering sharp political reactions.
Following the FIR, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta issued notices to three Punjab Police officials, questioning their jurisdiction and authority to investigate a video that, according to the Assembly, constitutes Delhi Assembly property.
The Speaker sought an explanation on how the Punjab Police could:
- Examine the video without Delhi Assembly’s consent
- Conduct an investigation into Assembly property
- Register an FIR against a Delhi minister based on that probe
Privilege Breach Allegation
The matter has already been referred to the Delhi Assembly’s Privileges Committee, with Speaker Vijender Gupta asserting that the Punjab Police action amounts to a direct breach of legislative privilege.
“The investigation conducted by the Punjab Police without jurisdiction is a clear violation of the special privileges of the Delhi Legislative Assembly,” the Speaker has maintained.
Political Battle Intensifies
The issue has now snowballed into a full-blown political confrontation between the AAP and the BJP, stretching from Delhi to Punjab.
- The BJP has continued to circulate the Atishi video, daring the AAP-ruled Punjab government to register as many FIRs as it wants, asserting that the party is “not afraid of cases.”
- The Aam Aadmi Party, on the other hand, has termed the issue one of “institutional insult” and “deliberate provocation,” staging protests and accusing the BJP of undermining democratic institutions.
What Lies Ahead
With Punjab Police now seeking 10 additional days to respond, the Delhi Assembly is yet to decide its next course of action. The privileges committee’s findings, possible summons, and further constitutional steps could significantly escalate the confrontation.
For now, one thing is clear—the Atishi video controversy is far from over, and the political storm raging between Delhi and Punjab shows no signs of subsiding anytime soon.
