Delhi Speaker to order CBI probe into Atishi video row
Delhi Speaker orders CBI probe into Atishi video; AAP alleges fake.
Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta announced a CBI probe into a video of AAP leader Atishi, stating forensic analysis found it was not doctored. The video allegedly contains derogatory remarks against Sikh gurus. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta supported the Speaker's decision, accusing the opposition of misusing Punjab government agencies to cover up the truth.
AAP demands a three-year jail term for Kapil Mishra for posting a fake video. The Jalandhar court ordered the removal of the video from social media platforms.
Key Facts
Speaker: Vijender Gupta
AAP Leader: Atishi
Allegation: Derogatory remarks against Sikh gurus
Probe: CBI investigation ordered
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
Constitutional provisions related to the Speaker's office (Articles 93-97 and 178-186)
Potential questions on the Speaker's role in maintaining parliamentary decorum and impartiality
Visual Insights
Key Events Leading to CBI Probe into Atishi Video Row
Timeline of events related to the Atishi video controversy, highlighting key moments and legal actions.
The controversy surrounding the Atishi video has escalated over the past few years, leading to legal battles and political accusations. The order for a CBI probe marks a significant development in the case.
- 2023Kapil Mishra posts video of Atishi on social media.
- 2024AAP alleges video is doctored and demands action against Kapil Mishra.
- 2025Jalandhar court orders removal of the video from social media platforms.
- 2026Forensic analysis finds video is not doctored.
- 2026Delhi Assembly Speaker orders CBI probe into the video.
More Information
Background
The office of the Speaker in India has evolved significantly since its inception during the British colonial era. The Montague-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 paved the way for the creation of a legislative assembly with an elected Speaker. Sir Frederick Whyte was the first Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly in 1921.
The role transformed further after India's independence, with the Speaker becoming a symbol of the House's authority and impartiality. The Constitution of India outlines the powers and responsibilities of the Speaker, emphasizing their role in maintaining order and decorum in the House, and safeguarding the rights and privileges of its members. Over time, conventions and precedents have shaped the Speaker's functions, influencing their conduct during debates, voting procedures, and disciplinary actions.
The Speaker's position is crucial for the smooth functioning of parliamentary democracy.
Latest Developments
Recent trends indicate an increasing politicization of the Speaker's role, with allegations of bias and partisanship becoming more frequent. This has led to calls for reforms to enhance the Speaker's independence and impartiality. One proposed reform is to establish a more transparent and objective process for selecting the Speaker, potentially involving a consensus-based approach among different political parties.
Another suggestion is to strengthen the Speaker's secretariat and provide them with greater resources to conduct their duties effectively. Furthermore, there's a growing debate on the Speaker's role in disqualifying legislators under the anti-defection law, with some arguing for greater judicial oversight to ensure fairness and prevent political manipulation. The future may see further legal challenges and constitutional amendments aimed at clarifying and reinforcing the Speaker's powers and responsibilities.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the powers of the Speaker of a State Legislative Assembly: 1. The Speaker decides whether a bill is a Money Bill or not, and their decision is final. 2. The Speaker can vote in the first instance in case of a tie. 3. The Speaker can adjourn the House or suspend the sitting in the absence of a quorum. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct as per Article 199(4) of the Constitution. Statement 3 is also correct as per the Rules of Procedure of the Legislative Assembly. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Speaker does not vote in the first instance but only exercises a casting vote in the case of a tie.
2. In the context of parliamentary procedures, what is the significance of a 'Whip'?
- A.It is a notice issued by the Speaker to maintain order in the House.
- B.It is a direction issued by a political party to its members regarding voting.
- C.It is a motion to censure the government.
- D.It is a parliamentary privilege granted to senior members.
Show Answer
Answer: B
A Whip is an official of a political party whose task is to ensure party discipline in a legislature. Whips ensure that the members of the party attend and vote as the party leadership desires.
3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the role of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)?
- A.The CBI is the premier investigating agency of India.
- B.The CBI derives its power to investigate from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.
- C.The CBI is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- D.The CBI investigates cases of corruption, economic offences, and special crimes.
Show Answer
Answer: C
The CBI is under the administrative control of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), which falls under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, not the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Source Articles
Atishi video not doctored, will order CBI probe, says Speaker as row escalates - The Hindu
Guru Tegh Bahadur row: Delhi Speaker, Punjab CM spar over Atishi remarks video - The Hindu
Speaker hints at special session of House amid Atishi video clip row - The Hindu
Punjab police get 3-day ultimatum to explain FIR in Atishi video row - The Hindu
The uproar over the purported video containing “disparaging” remarks on Guru Tegh Bahadur by senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi, which the Punjab police have claimed is “doctored”, intensified in Delhi and Punjab on Sunday. - The Hindu