Chandigarh, December 14
The Punjab State Women Commission, exercising its authority under Section 12 of the Punjab State Women Commission Act, 2001, has initiated suo-moto proceedings in response to derogatory remarks allegedly made against women. Commission Chairperson Raj Lali Gill has issued a notice to Harjinder Singh Dhami, President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), regarding his alleged defamatory comments about former SGPC President and political leader Bibi Jagir Kaur. The Commission has condemned the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of women in Punjab.
According to the Commission, an audio recording circulating on social media brought the matter to their attention. In the recording, Mr. Dhami is reportedly heard using disrespectful and offensive language during a phone call with a journalist, targeting Bibi Jagir Kaur, a well-known political figure and woman leader. These remarks, the Commission noted, not only defame an individual but also reflect poorly on societal attitudes toward women in general.
Highlighting the importance of the SGPC President’s position, the Commission stressed that individuals in such influential roles must uphold respect and dignity for all. The use of such offensive language, it said, is inappropriate and undermines the reputation of both the office and the institution.
Chairperson Raj Lali Gill invoked the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, particularly the verse “So kyo manda aakhiye jit jamme rajaan,” which emphasizes respect for women. She urged the SGPC to take prompt action and remove Mr. Dhami from his position to set an example of accountability.
The Commission has directed Mr. Dhami to appear in person at its office (Punjab State Women’s Commission, SCO No. 5, Sector 55, Phase-1, SAS Nagar, Mohali) and provide a written explanation by December 17, 2024.
The Commission warned that failure to respond to the notice within the given timeframe would result in legal action under the Punjab State Women Commission Act, 2001. Recommendations for further steps will be forwarded to the relevant authorities if compliance is not met.
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