The Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association has condemned remarks allegedly made by Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira against law officers in the Office of the Advocate General, Punjab. It has called on him to withdraw them and apologise.

In a statement issued on behalf of its President, Rohit Sud, and its Executive Committee, the Association said a video containing the expression "Bhade de Tattu ne eh Sarkari Vakil" had been widely circulated on social media platforms, including WhatsApp and Facebook, and reported in sections of the press. The phrase loosely translates as "these government lawyers are hired nags."

"Our differences may be political, but respect for the dignity of the legal fraternity must always remain above politics," the Bar body said.

According to the statement, the matter was brought to the Association's notice through a representation from law officers of the Advocate General's office, Punjab. The Association said it "strongly condemns" the use of such language against members of the legal fraternity. It called it unfortunate that such expressions are attributed to a senior political leader holding a responsible position in public life.

The Association said the law officers in the Advocate General's office are "not merely government representatives but, first and foremost, esteemed members of the legal fraternity". Their professional dignity, it said, deserves the same respect as that of every other member of the Bar.

It said it accepts that differences of political opinion and criticism of government functioning are essential to democracy. Such criticism, however, "should always remain within the boundaries of dignity, mutual respect and parliamentary language," particularly when directed at members of the legal profession.