The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), under the Chairmanship of Shri Kishor Makwana, Hon’ble Chairman, today conducted a hearing concerning the alleged derogatory remarks made by Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Shri Amrinder Singh Raja Warring against former Union Home Minister Late Shri Buta Singh during an election campaign in Tarn Taran, Punjab.

Shri Harpreet Singh, DSP, Punjab, and Shri Gulzar Singh, DSP, EO & Cyber Crime, Punjab Police, appeared on behalf of the respondent authorities. The petitioner, Shri Sarabjot Singh, son of Late Shri Buta Singh, was also present during the hearing.

After hearing the parties and examining the material placed on record, the Commission expressed serious concern over the delay in completing the investigation, arresting the accused persons and submitting the Action Taken Report, despite specific recommendations issued during the previous hearing.

During the hearing held on 5th May 2026, the Commission had recommended that the investigation be completed within the stipulated period in accordance with the applicable rules.

Taking note of the petitioner’s complaint that he was receiving threatening calls from the alleged accused, the Commission had also directed that necessary protection be provided to the petitioner and his dependents under Section 15A of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. An Action Taken Report was required to be submitted within 30 days. However, the Commission noted that the requisite report had not been received.

Taking serious note of the continuing delay, the Commission recommended that the authorities concerned initiate immediate action, in accordance with law, for the arrest of the accused persons and submit the status of the action taken to the Commission within five days.

The Commission further recommended that the investigation be completed expeditiously and the charge-sheet be filed before the competent court without further delay. It also called upon the competent authority to examine accountability for the delay in the investigation and arrest.

If any wilful neglect of duty by the investigating officer or officers is established, appropriate departmental action, including consideration of action under Section 4 of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, may be taken in accordance with law. The Commission has sought an Action Taken Report on its recommendations within 30 days.

The Commission also viewed the safety of the petitioner with particular seriousness. In view of the alleged continuing threats to Shri Sarabjot Singh, it recommended immediate and adequate police protection for the petitioner and his dependents in both Delhi and Punjab, in accordance with Section 15A of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

The Commission reiterated that the protection of victims, complainants, witnesses and their dependents is an important statutory safeguard. The authorities concerned must ensure that the petitioner is able to pursue the matter without fear, intimidation or threat.

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PR-92 TAR/KV/GA/RK