The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has ordered Punjab Police to arrest the accused in a case involving alleged derogatory remarks made against the late former Union Home Minister Buta Singh during an election campaign in Tarn Taran. The commission, chaired by Kishor Makwana, has given authorities just five days to complete the arrest and report back.
The case centres on statements made by Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Amrinder Singh Raja Warring during election campaigning. Sarabjot Singh, son of the former minister, filed the complaint alleging that derogatory remarks were made against his father.
What the commission has ordered
- Authorities must arrest the accused persons immediately and report progress within five days
- The investigation must be completed without further delay and a charge-sheet filed in court
- An Action Taken Report must be submitted to the commission within 30 days
- The commission has asked for an examination of who is responsible for the delays so far in the investigation and arrest
- If investigating officers are found to have deliberately neglected their duties, departmental action may be taken against them under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
- Sarabjot Singh and his dependents must receive adequate police protection in both Delhi and Punjab as he has reported receiving threatening calls from the alleged accused
The commission expressed serious concern that a previous hearing on 5 May 2026 had already recommended completion of the investigation within set timelines, but an Action Taken Report that was supposed to arrive within 30 days was never submitted.
What this means for you
If you file a complaint under laws protecting Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the commission can now ensure faster action by setting strict deadlines for police and courts. The order highlights that delays in investigation and arrest can trigger accountability against officials. Additionally, the commission has emphasised that victims, witnesses and their families have a statutory right to police protection during the legal process.