Sikh Guru remark row: SGPC delegation meets Delhi Police chief, demands FIR against Atishi — UPSC Current Affairs | January 21, 2026
Sikh Guru remark row: SGPC delegation meets Delhi Police chief, demands FIR against Atishi
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) filed a complaint against AAP leader Atishi for allegedly disrespecting Sikh Gurus, leading to political controversy and demands for legal action. This incident highlights the intersection of religion, politics, and freedom of speech, relevant for UPSC GS papers on Polity and Culture.
Overview On January 21, 2026 , a delegation from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) met with Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golchha to file a complaint against AAP leader Atishi . The complaint alleges that Atishi made objectionable remarks against Sikh Gurus during the Delhi Assembly's Winter session on January 6, 2026 . The incident has sparked controversy, with accusations of doctored videos and demands for legal action. Key Developments Complaint Filed: The SGPC submitted a formal complaint to the Delhi Police on January 21, 2026 , seeking registration of a case against Atishi . Alleged Remarks: The complaint states that Atishi made "highly objectionable" remarks against Sikh Gurus on January 6 . Speaker's Involvement: Vidhan Sabha Speaker Vijender Gupta released a transcript of the proceedings, supporting the claim that Atishi disrespected the Gurus. AAP's Defense: Atishi refuted the charges, claiming a video clip was tampered with by the BJP . Punjab's FIR: The AAP -ruled Punjab registered an FIR based on a forensic examination that deemed the video clip "doctored." SGPC's Stance: The SGPC delegation held Atishi "fully accountable and responsible" for hurting the sentiments of the Sikh community . Assembly Action: The Delhi Assembly has referred the matter to its Privileges Committee . BJP's Demand: BJP MLAs have demanded the cancellation of Atishi's membership in the House. UPSC Relevance This news article is relevant to the UPSC Civil Services Exam , particularly for GS Paper 2 (Polity and Governance) and GS Paper 1 (Culture) . It touches upon issues of freedom of speech, religious sentiments, political discourse, and the functioning of legislative bodies. Understanding the roles of organizations like the SGPC and the procedures of legislative committees is crucial for the exam. Important Facts Date of Complaint: January 21, 2026 Accused: Atishi Marlena , AAP Leader Complainant: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) Alleged Incident Date: January 6, 2026 Speaker: Vijender Gupta , Delhi Vidhan Sabha Speaker FIR Location: Registered in Punjab Potential Exam Questions Prelims: What is the role of the SGPC? What is the significance of an FIR? What is the function of the Privileges Committee in a state legislature? Mains: Discuss the challenges of balancing freedom of speech with the need to respect religious sentiments in a diverse society like India. Analyze the impact of misinformation and doctored videos on political discourse and democratic processes. Evaluate the role and responsibilities of legislative committees in upholding ethical standards and accountability.