SAD MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal writes to Women Commission, seeks action against CM Mann for derogatory remarks against women
In her letter, Harsimrat Kaur Badal said she was filing the complaint not only as a citizen but also as a public representative who has been active in public life for more than two decades and has consistently raised her voice for women’s rights.
PTC News Desk: Shiromani Akali Dal senior leader and MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal had written to the National Commission for Women seeking strict action against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over his alleged objectionable remarks about women.
In her letter, Harsimrat Kaur Badal said she was filing the complaint not only as a citizen but also as a public representative who has been active in public life for more than two decades and has consistently raised her voice for women’s rights. She stated that for the past 18 years she has been working for the empowerment of women and girls through her NGO Nanhi Chhaan, which focuses on campaigns against female foeticide, promoting education and encouraging the economic independence of girls.
She alleged that during an event held at Punjab Agricultural University, the Chief Minister referred to an incident from his college days and made inappropriate and derogatory remarks about women. According to her, Mann mentioned addressing a female student as “thodi bhabhi” (a kind of sister-in-law), even though she was not his wife and had objected to the remark.
The letter further stated that the Chief Minister also referred to female students by comparing the colour of their clothes to the “Pakistan flag,” which she said was disrespectful and hurtful to women’s dignity. Harsimrat Kaur Badal alleged that making such remarks from a public platform undermines women’s respect and normalises harassment and inappropriate behaviour.
Badal said such language cannot be expected from a person holding a constitutional position like that of a Chief Minister. She added that such remarks hurt women’s dignity and send a wrong message to society, especially when they are made in front of college students.
In her letter, she also pointed out that Indian laws protect women’s dignity and safety. Referring to provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 — including Section 74 (sexual harassment), Section 79 (insulting the modesty of a woman) and Section 75 (acts intended to outrage a woman’s modesty) — she said such remarks could fall under punishable offences.
She also cited Articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution of India, stating that these provisions guarantee equality, protection against discrimination and the right to live with dignity to all citizens, especially women.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal has urged the National Commission for Women to take cognisance of the matter, investigate the complaint against Bhagwant Mann and, if necessary, direct the registration of an FIR against him. She said there should be no compromise on the dignity and respect of women in public life.