New Delhi, Jan 17 (UNI) Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta on Saturday said that the FSL report regarding the alleged remarks in house by LoP Atishi has now been received and it clearly establishes that there has been no tampering with the audio – video recording of the House proceedings.
“The verbatim record and the audio-video are an exact match,” Gupta said as he displayed the FSL report, adding that in view of the serious questions that have emerged regarding parallel investigations and misuse of state agencies, he will direct that the matter be investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Speaker has said that given that the entire chain of events that unfolded in Punjab with regard to the issue, he affirmed that a CBI probe will be ensured so that the truth is established beyond reasonable doubt and accountability is fixed strictly in accordance with law and constitutional procedure.
Speaker stated that the FSL report is categorical in its findings, and based on frame-by-frame analysis using a video analysis system, the laboratory has found no indication of alteration, manipulation, or tampering in either the audio or the video.
Gupta recalled that the matter relating to the statement of a video was taken up in the Assembly, as demanded by the opposition.
He said that the house unanimously decided to send the audio and video recordings of the proceedings for forensic examination, and the material was sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), where a detailed scientific examination was conducted.
The speaker expressed serious concern over the subsequent developments, where despite a unanimous decision of the legislature to conduct a forensic examination, a parallel exercise was initiated in Punjab.
He noted that, in a dramatic sequence of events, the Punjab Government had conducted its own forensic examination, obtained a report, and registered FIR, even while the Delhi Assembly-authorised forensic process was underway.
The Speaker stated that these actions raise grave questions about propriety, intent, and adherence to due process.
Speaker also questioned as to who conducted the “forensic examination in Punjab, under whose authority the State Forensic Science Laboratory functions, and whether it operates under the control of the Punjab Government”.
He pointed out that the court order is silent on critical aspects such as the source of the video, the device from which it was extracted, who uploaded it, when it was seized, and how the chain of custody was maintained. The absence of these details, he said, seriously undermines the credibility of the parallel forensic exercise.
Gupta pointed out that no opportunity was given to challenge the Punjab forensic report, which amounts to a clear violation of the principles of natural justice.
Referring LoP Atishi’s conduct, speaker noted that she had been given an opportunity to clarify her position when the matter was raised on the floor of the House.
However, instead of responding, she remained absent in the house and thereafter, according to the Speaker, political pressure was exerted leading to the involvement of state agencies.
Speaker said that sequence of events has not only politicised the issue, but has also hurt sentiments with regard to the Sikh Gurus.
Gupta has made it clear that undermining Delhi Assembly’s authority will not be allowed, in any way, be it through procedural shortcuts, parallel probes or politically motivated actions.
He strongly condemned any attempt to demean the dignity of the Gurus on the basis of falsehood and warned against unlawful interference in the jurisdiction and functioning of the Delhi Legislative Assembly.
Gupta also mentioned that even now, an opportunity remains open for the Leader of the Opposition Atishi to come forward, withdraw the objectionable remarks, and render an apology before the House, which alone is competent to take a final view on this subject.
However, he cautioned that if such acts are repeated by anyone, a political party, individual or government, including the Punjab government, the Delhi Legislative Assembly will respond firmly and decisively.
