Punjab State Women Commission Issues Suo-Moto Notice to Harjinder Singh Dhami Over Derogatory Remarks Against Women*

Demands Resignation; Summons Dhami to Provide Clarification by December 17

Chandigarh, December 14

Exercising its powers under Section 12 of the Punjab State Women Commission Act, 2001, the Punjab State Women Commission has taken suo-moto cognizance of a matter involving derogatory remarks made against women. Chairperson Raj Lali Gill has issued a notice to Harjinder Singh Dhami, President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), regarding his offensive comments about former SGPC President and political leader Bibi Jagir Kaur. The Commission has taken this matter seriously and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and honor of women in Punjab.

The Chairperson stated that the Commission’s attention was drawn to an audio recording circulating on social media, in which Mr. Dhami allegedly used highly offensive and demeaning language during a telephone conversation with a journalist, targeting Bibi Jagir Kaur, a prominent woman leader. The remarks were not only personally defamatory but also disrespectful to women as a whole.

The Commission emphasized that as the head of a prestigious institution like the SGPC, Mr. Dhami is expected to uphold the highest standards of dignity and respect for all. Such language, the Commission asserted, is unbecoming of his office and sends a damaging message to society at large.

Chairperson Raj Lali Gill invoked the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who revered women with the words, *”So kyo manda aakhiye jit jamme rajaan”. She urged the SGPC to take immediate action by removing Mr. Dhami from his position for his offensive remarks.

The Commission has directed Mr. Dhami to appear in person at the Commission’s office (Punjab State Women’s Commission, SCO No. 5, Sector 55, Phase-1, SAS Nagar, Mohali) and submit a written explanation regarding the incident by December 17, 2024.

Failure to comply with the notice within the stipulated timeframe will result in the Commission recommending appropriate legal action under the Punjab State Women Commission Act, 2001, to the relevant authorities.