January 9, 2026
Hon’ble Members,
I wish to place before this august House the factual position that has emerged following the report submitted by the Privileges Committee. This matter is not only linked to a significant historical claim, but is also directly connected to the authority, dignity, and functioning of this Legislature and its committees.
Following the constitution of the Eighth Legislative Assembly in February 2025, several initiatives were undertaken to preserve and safeguard the historical character of the Delhi Legislative Assembly building. During this process, official records and archival material were examined with the objective of ensuring historical accuracy and authenticity. Information received from the National Archives revealed that there is no existence of a “gallows house” within the Assembly परिसर. Instead, the records indicate that the concerned space was used as a “Tiffin Room.”
I had apprised the House of these facts on August 5, 2025. Subsequently, the matter was discussed in detail in the House over a period of three days, during which the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Ministers, and several Hon’ble Members expressed their views. Keeping in mind the sentiment of the House and in accordance with established parliamentary practice, the matter was referred to the Privileges Committee for a detailed and impartial examination.
In accordance with procedure, the Committee issued notices to the concerned dignitaries seeking their written submissions and thereafter called upon them to appear in person to assist the Committee in ascertaining the factual position. Despite being given adequate opportunity, sufficient time, and repeated clarifications—and in the absence of any stay, order, or direction from any Hon’ble Court—none of the four concerned individuals, namely the then Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal, the then Speaker Shri Ram Niwas Goel, the then Deputy Chief Minister Shri Manish Sisodia, and the then Deputy Speaker Smt. Rakhi Birla, appeared before the Committee on the scheduled dates.
I have personally examined the report of the Privileges Committee and have found that the Committee has carefully reviewed the sequence of events, the correspondence exchanged, the legal position, the relevant constitutional and statutory provisions, as well as established parliamentary procedures and precedents.
The Committee has concluded that the concerned individuals deliberately and willfully remained absent from the Committee’s meetings and, without any justifiable reason, obstructed the functioning of the Committee. According to the Committee, such conduct amounts to contempt of the House and its Committee.
Hon’ble Members may kindly note that under Section 18(3) of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, and the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, this House and its committees enjoy powers, privileges, and immunities equivalent to those of the Lok Sabha and its committees. The authority of legislative committees to summon individuals and seek evidence has also been upheld by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. The Privileges Committee has therefore recommended that the House may take appropriate action against the concerned individuals for their deliberate absence from the Committee’s meetings.
Hon’ble Members, this House has always functioned with due regard to constitutional propriety, mutual respect, and the dignity of the institution. The authority of the Legislature and its committees is an integral part of our democratic framework. While it is true that individuals and institutions have the right to avail legal remedies, such remedies cannot be used as a pretext to disregard or undermine the proceedings of this House.
I place this matter before the House with full confidence and repose complete faith in the wisdom of the Hon’ble Members that they will consider the recommendations of the Privileges Committee and take an appropriate decision in accordance with the Constitution, the law, and the traditions of this House.
