Punjab HC Grants Interim Relief to Partap Singh Bajwa, Stays Notice by SC Commission

February 16, 2026

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court granted interim relief to Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa in the controversy over his alleged remarks targeting Punjab cabinet minister Harbhajan Singh ETO. The court stayed the notice issued by the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission (SC Commission) and issued notices to the Punjab government, Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, and the commission.

AAP Protests Across Punjab Continue

Earlier, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) organised statewide protests against Bajwa, alleging that his comments were derogatory and targeted the Dalit community and working-class groups. Party leaders, ministers, MLAs, workers, and local residents raised slogans demanding a public apology from Bajwa and the Congress leadership. Demonstrations took place in multiple districts, including Malerkotla, Rupnagar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, SBS Nagar, Amritsar, Pathankot, Tarn Taran, Ludhiana, Moga, Patiala, Sangrur, Bathinda, Fazilka, Firozpur, Mansa, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Barnala, and SAS Nagar.

AAP Demands Apology, Questions Congress Stand

AAP Punjab general secretary Baltej Pannu stated that Bajwa’s remarks “insulted the Dalit community, daily wage labourers, and band-baaja artists” and called on the Congress national leadership to respond publicly. The party said it would continue its protests until an “unconditional apology” is issued.

Bajwa Denies Making Objectionable Remarks

Partap Singh Bajwa has denied making any objectionable comments. His counsel reportedly informed the Punjab SC Commission that the Leader of Opposition did not target Minister Harbhajan Singh personally.

Court Notice and Next Steps

The High Court’s stay provides Bajwa temporary relief while the matter is examined further. Notices issued to the state government, Minister Harbhajan ETO, and the commission are expected to set the stage for the next hearing. AAP has reiterated its commitment to continue agitation until a public apology is received.