Delhi Assembly Acts Against Kejriwal for Contempt Over ‘Phansi-Ghar’ Issue

The Delhi Assembly on Friday issued a formal warning to AAP leaders, including former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, over the controversy surrounding the so-called ‘Phansi-ghar’ within the Assembly premises. The move follows a report from the Assembly’s Privileges Committee, which investigated claims that the building had been misrepresented as an execution chamber.

Speaker Vijender Gupta criticised what he called a “manufactured narrative” linking the historic structure to executions, describing such associations as a disservice to its true history. “The House is deliberating on this matter with absolute justice. The contempt has been proven. While no court in India can grant relief in matters of legislative privilege, we are proceeding based on the dignity of this institution,” the Assembly statement said.

The controversy stems from the inauguration of the ‘Phansi-ghar’ on August 9, 2022, by Kejriwal, in the presence of then-Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Speaker Ram Niwas Goel, and Deputy Speaker Rakhi Birla. After the BJP assumed power in Delhi in February last year, Speaker Gupta described the structure as a “tiffin room” rather than a gallows, emphasising that rural martyrs had been overlooked while “fake stories” circulated regarding execution rooms.

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A Privileges Committee report, tabled on March 23, was discussed in the House, followed by a motion by BJP MLA Jitendra Mahajan recommending a warning to Kejriwal and other AAP leaders for contempt due to their initial failure to appear before the committee. The motion, seconded by BJP MLA Raj Kumar Bhatia, was passed by a voice vote. The Assembly noted that while it has the authority to impose stricter punishments, including imprisonment, judicial restraint was exercised in this case.

Kejiwal and other AAP leaders, including Goel and Birla, eventually appeared before the committee earlier this month. Speaker Gupta stated that a third report would specifically address misinformation regarding the Phansi-ghar, ensuring that the sanctity of the House is protected against false narratives and defiance of officials.

The Delhi Assembly’s action underscores the legislature’s intent to uphold its institutional dignity while exercising caution in matters of punitive authority, reflecting the balance between parliamentary privilege and measured accountability.

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