Delhi PAC defers Sheesh Mahal visit, cites confidentiality breach
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Delhi Assembly's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday, 14 September 2026, deferred its planned site visit to 'Sheesh Mahal' — the renovated official residence of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at 6 Flagstaff Road in north Delhi — citing a breach of confidentiality in its proceedings. The visit was intended to verify Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) findings related to alleged financial irregularities in the bungalow's makeover.
Why the Visit Was Deferred
PAC Chairman Ajay Mahawar said the deferral was necessitated by the public disclosure of what he described as confidential committee proceedings. 'It is unfortunate that matters relating to the proceedings were made public and an attempt was made to give them a political colour,' Mahawar said.
He made an indirect reference to Delhi Leader of Opposition and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi, who had issued a public statement on Saturday about the proposed site visit. Mahawar said such disclosures 'undermine the dignity of the Committee and the sanctity of the parliamentary process.'
What the CAG Probe Covers
The now-deferred inspection was set to examine matters connected to CAG queries on the demolition of old quarters, new construction, eligibility of contractors, allocation of work, and payments made at the 6 Flagstaff Road bungalow and neighbouring plots. The PAC is responsible for ensuring accountability in the utilisation of public funds, and the site visit was considered essential for verifying the physical status of the premises against reported expenditure.
Notably, the 'Sheesh Mahal' controversy had emerged as a central campaign issue for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which wrested power from the AAP in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections.
PAC Chairman's Firm Stand
Mahawar was emphatic that the committee would resist any pressure. 'The Committee will continue to function impartially, on the basis of facts and within its prescribed parliamentary jurisdiction,' he said. He added that the PAC would seek guidance from Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta before scheduling the next site inspection.
'I would once again make it clear that if political parties wish to engage in mutual allegations and counter-allegations, that is their matter. However, it is not acceptable to turn the Public Accounts Committee into a vehicle for political controversy,' Mahawar stated.
Political Background and BJP Criticism
Delhi BJP Spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor has repeatedly criticised AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal for allegedly breaking government rules to renovate his erstwhile official residence and for what the party characterises as wasteful expenditure. In July 2026, Delhi Public Works Department Minister Parvesh Verma announced that the now-sealed bungalow would be converted into a state guest house.
Verma also shared a video on social media depicting what he described as lavish facilities created for Kejriwal at the official residence, comparing him — in a film reference — to a character from the Bollywood film 'Dhurandhar', along with a spoof video titled 'Dhurandhar PART 3'.
What Happens Next
The PAC has committed to conducting the site inspection 'at the earliest' once requisite permissions and parliamentary procedure are in place, and after consulting the Delhi Assembly Speaker. The committee's next move will be closely watched as it attempts to reassert its independence while navigating a politically charged investigation into the use of public funds at one of Delhi's most controversial addresses.