9 January 2026
New Delhi:
The Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, Vijender Gupta, on Friday placed before the House the factual position emerging from the First Report of the Privileges Committee, stating that the matter concerns not only a significant historical claim but also the authority, dignity, and functioning of the Legislature and its committees.
Background to the Issue
Following the formation of the Eighth Legislative Assembly in February 2025, several initiatives were undertaken to preserve and safeguard the historic character of the Delhi Assembly Building. As part of this exercise, official records and archival material were examined to ensure historical accuracy and authenticity. Information obtained from the National Archives revealed that there was no “Faansi Ghar” within the Assembly premises. Instead, the records indicated that the concerned area was historically used as a “Tiffin Room.”
The Speaker informed the House that these facts were formally placed before the Assembly on 5 August 2025.
Deliberations in the House and Referral to the Committee
After the disclosure of these findings, the matter was discussed extensively in the Assembly for three consecutive days. During the debate, the Chief Minister, several Ministers, and multiple Members of the Legislative Assembly expressed their views. In keeping with the sense of the House and established parliamentary practice, the matter was subsequently referred to the Privileges Committee for a detailed and impartial examination.
Proceedings of the Privileges Committee
As per established procedure, the Privileges Committee issued notices seeking written submissions from the concerned individuals. They were also summoned to appear in person before the Committee to assist in establishing the factual position of the case. Despite being given adequate opportunity, sufficient time, and necessary clarifications—and in the absence of any stay, order, or direction from any court—none of the four concerned individuals appeared before the Committee on the scheduled dates. These individuals were the former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Speaker Ram Niwas Goel, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and former Deputy Speaker Rakhi Birla.
Findings of the Committee
The Speaker informed the House that he had personally examined the report of the Privileges Committee. According to him, the Committee undertook a comprehensive review of the sequence of events, relevant correspondence, the prevailing legal position, applicable constitutional and statutory provisions, as well as established parliamentary procedures and precedents.
The Committee concluded that the concerned individuals had deliberately and voluntarily remained absent from the meetings of the Committee. It further observed that, without any sufficient cause, their non-appearance obstructed the functioning of the Committee. In the Committee’s view, such conduct amounted to contempt of the House and of the Privileges Committee.
Powers of the Legislature and Its Committees
Drawing the attention of Members to the legal framework, the Speaker noted that under Section 18(3) of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, and under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, the Delhi Legislative Assembly and its committees enjoy powers, privileges, and immunities equivalent to those of the Lok Sabha and its committees. He further pointed out that the authority of legislative committees to summon individuals and call for evidence has been upheld by the Supreme Court.
Based on these provisions, the Privileges Committee has recommended that the House may take appropriate action against the concerned individuals for their deliberate absence from the Committee’s proceedings.
Appeal to the House
Concluding his statement, the Speaker emphasized that the Delhi Legislative Assembly has always functioned in accordance with constitutional propriety, mutual respect, and institutional dignity. He stated that while individuals and institutions are fully entitled to seek legal remedies, such remedies cannot be used as a justification to disregard or undermine the proceedings of the Legislature.
Placing the matter before the House, the Speaker expressed full confidence in the wisdom of the Members, stating that they would consider the recommendations of the Privileges Committee and take an appropriate decision in accordance with the Constitution, the law, and the long-standing traditions of the House.
