Yograj Singh, the former cricketer and actor, has become the center of a legal controversy following a complaint filed by advocate Ujjval Bhasin. The complaint alleges that Singh made derogatory remarks against women in the web series 'Lukkhe', which is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The situation escalated after an official First Information Report (FIR) was registered in Chandigarh.
Complaint Filed with Senior Police Official
Advocate Bhasin approached Kanwardeep Kaur, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Chandigarh, objecting to specific remarks made by Yograj Singh in the series. The show also features actors such as Raashii Khanna, Palak Tiwari, Ayesha Raza, and King. Speaking to IANS, Bhasin expressed disappointment, stating that such comments were unexpected from a public figure like Yograj Singh. He elaborated, "His statements are pointed towards women who go out to work and then cook food for the family after returning home. The mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, all of them take care of the family. So I have registered a complaint with the Chandigarh SSP."
Referring to SSP Kanwardeep Kaur, Bhasin added, "She is a very able officer because of which she has also been given an extension of one year. I believe that once she listens to the remark, she will immediately take action on it because from the video it is clear that the statement is meant against a woman who is wearing a police uniform."
Questioning the Portrayal of Police Uniform
The advocate also questioned the use of the Chandigarh Police uniform in the series. He noted, "It is very surprising that while shooting a film, the actors are wearing the uniform of Chandigarh Police. The woman playing that role is Gurbani Kaur. People's sentiments are attached to the name." Bhasin highlighted the cultural and religious significance of the name 'Gurbani', explaining that it is a sacred term among Sikhs, used for the teachings and compositions of the Sikh Gurus in the Guru Granth Sahib. "The word is pronounced with immense respect," he added.
Appeal to Women's Commission and Legal Action
Bhasin also appealed to the Women's Commission, arguing that the alleged remarks were offensive not only to women in Chandigarh but to women across the country. Following the complaint, an FIR was registered against Yograj Singh at the Sector 36 police station in Chandigarh under Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This section deals with acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman through words, gestures, sounds, or invasion of privacy.
Suo Motu Cognisance by Punjab State Commission for Women
The controversy prompted the Punjab State Commission for Women to take suo motu cognisance of the issue. Commission chairperson Raj Lali Gill confirmed that the body had reviewed media reports regarding the objectionable statements featured in the web series. The commission subsequently directed Punjab Police to conduct an investigation, initiate appropriate legal action, and submit an action taken report.
Yograj Singh's Appeal to Halt Streaming
Amid the growing backlash, Yograj Singh has reportedly appealed for the streaming of 'Lukkhe' to be halted. The series premiered on May 8 and continues to be available online. The development has sparked widespread discussions about the portrayal of women in media and the responsibilities of public figures.
