Congress MPs urge NCSC to probe Punjab police baton charge on SC sanitation workers
Synopsis
Congress MPs have taken the Barnala baton-charge of Scheduled Caste sanitation workers straight to the NCSC, naming Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann — who also holds the Home portfolio — as personally accountable. With a High Court petition also announced, the incident is set to become a sustained political and legal flashpoint over SC rights in Punjab.
Key Takeaways
A Congress delegation submitted a memorandum to the NCSC on 28 July over alleged police baton-charging of SC sanitation workers in Barnala, Punjab .
The memorandum was addressed to NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana , demanding an impartial inquiry and accountability for those responsible.
Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring held CM Bhagwant Mann responsible, citing his dual role as Home Minister .
Several sanitation workers were reportedly injured during the police action while protesting for their rights.
The Punjab Congress has announced plans to approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking action against the accused police personnel.
A delegation of Indian National Congress (Congress) Members of Parliament on Tuesday, 28 July submitted a memorandum to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), demanding intervention into the alleged police excesses against Scheduled Caste sanitation workers who were baton-charged during a peaceful protest in Barnala, Punjab. The memorandum was addressed to NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana.
What the Memorandum Demands
The Congress MPs alleged that sanitation workers were subjected to excessive force, including a baton charge, while demonstrating for what the memorandum described as their 'legitimate rights and demands.' The delegation urged the NCSC to examine the matter under its constitutional mandate, seek a detailed report from the Punjab government and the Barnala district administration, and ensure an impartial inquiry into the incident.
The MPs also called for fixing accountability in accordance with the law and recommended measures to safeguard the rights of the affected workers. Several sanitation workers reportedly sustained injuries during the police action.
Congress Holds CM Bhagwant Mann Accountable
Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring held Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann personally responsible for the alleged police brutalities, noting that Mann heads the Home Department — the ministry under which the state police operates. Warring drew a pointed parallel, stating that just as Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Badal is being held accountable for the police firing at Bargadi against peaceful protesters, Mann must similarly answer for the Barnala incident.
The Congress delegation included MPs Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Amar Singh, Dharamvir Gandhi, and Gurjeet Singh Aujla.
Constitutional Rights at Stake
The MPs described the incident as a matter of serious concern, arguing it raised fundamental questions about the protection of constitutional rights, dignity, and safety of members of the Scheduled Caste community. Critics argue that the use of force against a marginalised community exercising its right to peaceful protest is especially troubling given existing legal protections under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Notably, this is not the first time Punjab's law enforcement response to labour protests has drawn political scrutiny. The Bargadi reference by Warring signals that the Congress intends to frame this as part of a broader pattern of state overreach against vulnerable communities.
What Happens Next
Speaking to reporters after the NCSC submission, Warring announced that the Punjab Congress will approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking action against the police personnel responsible and justice for the affected sanitation workers. The NCSC has been requested to intervene promptly; its response and any directions to the Punjab government are expected to shape the next phase of this dispute.
Point of View
The party forces a constitutional body to put the Aam Aadmi Party government on record. Bhagwant Mann's dual charge of Chief Minister and Home Minister makes deflection harder. What the mainstream coverage underplays is the structural issue: Scheduled Caste sanitation workers are among the most legally protected yet practically vulnerable groups in India, and a baton charge against them during a peaceful protest — if substantiated — would engage provisions far more serious than routine police excess. The High Court petition, if filed, could produce directions that outlast the political news cycle.
NationPress
28 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to sanitation workers in Barnala, Punjab?
Sanitation workers belonging to the Scheduled Caste community were allegedly subjected to a police baton charge while peacefully protesting for their rights in Barnala, Punjab. Several workers reportedly sustained injuries during the incident.
Why did Congress MPs approach the NCSC?
Congress MPs submitted a memorandum to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) seeking its constitutional intervention, an impartial inquiry, and accountability for those responsible for the alleged police excess against the SC sanitation workers.
Who is being held responsible for the Barnala police action?
Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has held Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann directly responsible, pointing out that Mann also heads the Home Department, which oversees the state police.
What legal action is Congress planning?
The Punjab Congress has announced it will approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court to seek action against the police personnel responsible and to secure justice for the affected sanitation workers.
What has the Congress asked the NCSC to do?
The delegation has asked the NCSC to examine the matter under its constitutional mandate, seek a report from the Punjab government and Barnala district administration, ensure an impartial inquiry, and recommend measures to protect the rights of the affected Scheduled Caste workers.
