Controversy Surrounds Delhi Services Bill: FIR threat looms Over Alleged Forgery of MPs’ Signatures

New Delhi, August 8, 2023: A new layer of complexity has emerged in the controversy surrounding the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, as sources reveal that the Chairman of Rajya Sabha possesses the authority to recommend the initiation of a First Information Report (FIR).

This development could transpire if it is confirmed that the signatures of Members of Parliament on the proposal to refer the bill to a Select Committee, as presented by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha, have been forged.

The parliamentary landscape was rocked when four MPs, including Sasmit Patra of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and M Thambidurai of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), raised objections about their names being listed on the proposed select committee for the Delhi Services Bill, without their explicit consent.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed grave concern, labeling the inclusion of these names without consent as a “fraud” committed against the sanctity of Parliament itself, and demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.

Amidst these brewing controversies, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, managed to secure passage in the Lok Sabha. This was achieved despite the opposition parties staging a walkout in protest during the proceedings.

The Bill assumes significance as it is slated to supplant an earlier ordinance introduced by the Central Government, aimed at streamlining the transfer and posting processes for officials within the Delhi government.