IWPC stands in solidarity with Jyoti Malhotra in the face of unwarranted comments by Punjab MLA, Sukhpal Singh Khaira

 

The Indian Women’s Press Corps (IWPC) expresses its deep sense of anguish and outrage at the unwarranted comments made by Mr. Sukhpal Singh Khaira, Congress MLA in the Punjab Assembly in the context of an article written by Jyoti Malhotra, Editor-in-Chief, The Tribune. The article “The way forward for Punjab” was published in the newspaper on March 14, 2026.

The article that deals with multiple challenges in the state facing the next Assembly polls mentions a derogatory comment made by the Punjab MLA in the context of women who have benefited from government schemes.

The article has triggered a response on X (formerly Twitter) from Mr. Khaira that casts aspersions on the intent, integrity and the credibility of Jyoti Malhotra whose credentials as a professional journalist of several decades –are impeccable.  Mr. Khaira’s comments are highly objectionable.

Jyoti Malhotra’s role in steering the Indian Women’s Press Corps as a former President, is something that the IWPC as an organisation, indeed the fraternity is conscious of and deeply values.  We stand steadfast in our support and solidarity with her at this juncture and onward. It is in every sense, our struggle, our voice and indeed our role as equal players in the media today.

On all counts, the words of Mr. Sukhpal Singh Khaira tarnish the democratic ethos that has been carefully built over decades. Firstly, they attack the freedom of the press that lies at the core of our democracy. Second, they promote a regressive, patriarchal view of women that is antithetical to their role as equal stakeholders in a modern democratic state. And third, they flout the basic human dignity that is sacrosanct to our society and nation.

The IWPC finds these comments unfortunate and entirely unacceptable. It unequivocally condemns this and demands an unconditional apology from Mr. Sukhpal Singh Khaira.