New Delhi, Nov 4 (PTI) The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has sought a probe into allegations of “blatant disrespect towards the lower sections of society” by the Congress during campaigning for the Tarn Taran bypoll in Punjab.
Taking cognisance of news reports in which BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh criticised the Congress for showing “blatant disrespect” towards the marginalised communities, the panel said it has decided to probe the incident under the powers vested in it under Article 338 of the Constitution.
In a notice dated November 4, the commission directed the deputy commissioner and the senior superintendent of police of Tarn Taran district to submit an action-taken report within seven days.
The report is to include details such as the date and location of the incident, particulars of the victims and accused, FIR details, sections invoked, arrests made, charge sheets filed, and compensation provided under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The notice further cautioned that failure to respond within the stipulated time may lead to the commission exercising its civil court powers under Article 338, including the issuance of summons for personal appearance.
Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has been facing heat from rival political parties for his alleged derogatory remarks against former Union minister late Buta Singh while campaigning in favour of the Congress candidate in the November 11 Tarn Taran assembly bypoll.
Warring has tendered an unconditional apology, saying that Buta Singh, a veteran Congress leader, was like a father figure to him, and he could never mean any disrespect to him or to anyone else.
However, the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has taken a suo motu notice of Warring’s remarks and asked him to appear before it on November 6. PTI UZM NSD NSD
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