Women panel summons Dhami over remarks against Jagir Kaur

The Punjab State Women Commission has summoned SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami for passing derogatory remarks against his predecessor Bibi Jagir Kaur.

In a notice, the commission directed Dhami to appear in person at its office in Mohali and submit a written explanation regarding the incident by December 17. Failure to comply with the notice will result in the commission recommending appropriate legal action under the Punjab State Women Commission Act, 2001, to the relevant authorities.

Commission chairperson Raj Lali Gill has issued the notice to Dhami regarding his offensive comments about former SGPC president and political leader Bibi Jagir Kaur.

Gill said the commission had taken the matter seriously and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and honour of women in Punjab.

Gill said the panel’s attention was drawn to an audio recording circulating on the social media, in which Dhami allegedly used ‘highly offensive and demeaning’ language during a telephonic conversation with a journalist, targeting Bibi Jagir Kaur, a prominent woman leader. The remarks were not only personally defamatory but also disrespectful to women.

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

Gill invoked the teachings of Guru Nanak, who reverred women with the words, “So kyo manda aakhiye jit jamme rajaan”.

She asked the SGPC to remove Dhami from the position in view of the offensive remarks made by him.