Chandigarh: Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, who was summoned by the State Scheduled Castes Commission over an alleged casteist remark against former Union Home Minister Buta Singh, failed to appear before the panel earlier this week, citing his involvement in the ongoing Tarn Taran Assembly bypoll campaign.

Warring’s counsel appeared on his behalf but was unable to submit the power of attorney (vakalatnama) during the proceedings.

The Congress leader, who has already been booked by the police, sought exemption from personal appearance and requested a new hearing date after the completion of the bypoll process.

Commission Acknowledges Election Constraints

According to Commission Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi, the District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner of Tarn Taran also sought exemption from appearing before the panel due to election duties.

“The District Election Officer formally informed the commission that a letter has already been issued to Raja Warring seeking clarification in the matter, which is currently being verified by the police,” Garhi told the media.

He added that the officer requested exemption from the November 6 appearance owing to the ongoing bye-election, and the commission has accepted the request, extending the deadline to November 17.

FIR Filed; Police Action Report Sought

Garhi further stated that, as per media reports, an FIR has already been registered by Kapurthala Police against Raja Warring.

Taking cognisance of the development, the commission has sought a report from the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) on the action taken so far, to be submitted by November 10.

The case was lodged following a complaint filed by Sarabjot Singh Sidhu, son of the late Buta Singh.

Warring has been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with Sections 3(1)(u) and 3(1)(v) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

Alleged Remark During Campaign

The controversy stems from a remark allegedly made by Raja Warring about Buta Singh’s skin colour while campaigning for the Congress candidate in the Tarn Taran Assembly bypoll, scheduled for November 11.

Warring, who represents Ludhiana in the Lok Sabha, has not yet issued a formal statement on the allegations.

The commission’s next hearing in the matter is expected to take place after the conclusion of the bypoll, with updates from the police awaited in the interim.