Union minister of state for railways Ravneet Singh Bittu failed to appear in person before the Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes on Thursday in connection with a suo motu case arising from his alleged casteist remarks during an altercation in Dhuri last month.
Appearing for Bittu, advocates Ramandeep Singh and Anutej Singh Barnala informed the commission that the minister could not attend due to personal commitments that required his presence in Delhi. Sangrur superintendent of police Rajesh Chhibber was also present during the proceedings.
After hearing the submissions, the commission adjourned the matter to June 15, making it clear that no further orders would be passed in his absence.
The case stems from an incident on May 26, when the civic elections were underway in Dhuri. Bittu was caught in a brief but heated verbal exchange with police personnel, during which he allegedly used words the Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes deemed objectionable enough to warrant suo motu cognisance. A notice was subsequently issued and the minister was summoned to explain his remarks.
His counsel informed the commission that Bittu had already expressed regret over the episode and issued a public apology. The commission, however, chose to press ahead, signalling that a private expression of remorse, even if public, would not substitute for a direct appearance before the panel.
{{/usCountry}}His counsel informed the commission that Bittu had already expressed regret over the episode and issued a public apology. The commission, however, chose to press ahead, signalling that a private expression of remorse, even if public, would not substitute for a direct appearance before the panel.
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