Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar/Chandigarh, December 14, 2024: Punjab State Women Commission in exercise of its powers under Section 12 of the "Punjab State Women Commission Act, 2001"; On behalf of the Chairperson of Punjab State Women Commission, Raj Lali Gill; Su-Moto Notice has been issued to President Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Shri Harjinder Singh Dhami in the matter of highly derogatory remarks and use of language against Bibi Jagir Kaur, former President of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and leader of a political party.
The derogatory remarks made against women by the Commission have been considered very seriously and the Commission is committed to ensuring that the rights, dignity and status of women in Punjab are protected. The Chairperson informed that it has come to the notice of the Commission through social media that Mr. Dhami, during a telephone conversation with a journalist, used very derogatory and inhumane words while addressing a member of the women’s community, Bibi Jagir Kaur. Such language and remarks not only defame an individual woman but also disrespect the entire female community.
The Chairperson of the Women’s Commission said that Mr. Dhami, as the President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, is expected to conduct himself in a manner that reflects the highest standards of respect and decency for the entire human race. The use of such derogatory language and remarks in such a case is unbecoming of his position and sends a harmful message to the society. Chairperson of the Women's Commission Raj Lali Gill said that Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji has said in respect of the female caste that 'So Kiyo Manda Akhiye Jitu Jammeh Rajaan'.
Regarding the insult to the female caste, an appeal has been made to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee that Shri Dhami should be immediately dismissed for the foul language used against women by him. And Mr. Dhami has been asked to give his written explanation and statement regarding the said audio recording by appearing at the Commission's office (Punjab State Women's Commission, SCO No. 5, Sector-55, Phase-1, SAS Nagar (Mohali)) within 4 days from the date of issuance of the suo motu notice issued by the Women's Commission regarding the alleged comments made by him.
They also said that if Dhami does not respond to the notice by appearing personally at this office within the stipulated time; then the Commission will exercise the powers granted to her under the Punjab State Commission for Women Act, 2001 and recommend appropriate action against her to the concerned authorities.