New Delhi, Jan 9 (UNI) Delhi Speaker Vijender Gupta on Friday presented the first report of the privileges committee on the ‘Faansi Ghar’ issue in the House, saying the matter was linked not only to a historical claim but also to the “powers, dignity and functioning of the legislature and its committees”.
He said after the formation of the Eighth Delhi Legislative Assembly in February last year, steps were taken to preserve the historic character of the Assembly building.
During this process, official records and archival material were examined to verify historical facts. Information from the National Archives showed that there was no “Faansi Ghar” (gallows) inside the Assembly premises and that the area in question was earlier used as a “Tiffin Room.”
The Speaker said he had informed the House about these facts on 5 August 2025. The issue was discussed for three days in the Assembly, with the Chief Minister, ministers and several members sharing their views.
Following parliamentary practice and the sense of the House, the matter was then referred to the Privileges Committee for a detailed and impartial inquiry.
Gupta said the Committee issued notices and sought written replies from the concerned persons. They were also asked to appear before the Committee to assist in establishing the facts.
However, despite sufficient opportunity and in the absence of any court stay or order, former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Speaker Ram Niwas Goel, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and former Deputy Speaker Rakhi Birla did not appear before the Committee on the scheduled dates.
The Speaker said he had personally examined the Committee’s report and found that it had carefully reviewed the sequence of events, correspondence, legal position, constitutional provisions and parliamentary precedents.
The Committee concluded that the concerned individuals deliberately stayed away from its meetings without valid reasons, thereby obstructing its work. Such conduct, the report said, amounted to contempt of the House and the Committee.
Gupta reminded members that under the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, and the Rules of Procedure, the Delhi Assembly and its committees enjoy powers and privileges similar to those of the Lok Sabha. He added that the Supreme Court has also upheld the authority of legislative committees to summon individuals and seek evidence.
The Privileges Committee has recommended that the House take appropriate action against the persons concerned.
Later, Minister Parvesh Verma moved a resolution on the Committee’s preliminary report in the “Faansi Ghar” matter.
The resolution directed Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Rakhi Birla and Ram Niwas Goel to appear before the Privileges Committee whenever summoned, explain their absence from the Committee’s meeting in November 2025, and submit documents supporting the claim of the existence of a gallows.
The resolution also stated that if the four leaders fail to appear before the Committee, the Speaker may take necessary action. The House passed the resolution.
The Speaker said the Assembly has always functioned with constitutional propriety and respect for institutions, and expressed confidence that members would take a decision in line with the Constitution, law and traditions of the House.
