Chandigarh, June 5 -- Union minister of state for railways Ravneet Singh Bittu failed to appear in person before the Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes on Thursday in connection with a suo motu case arising from his alleged casteist remarks during an altercation in Dhuri last month.

Appearing for Bittu, advocates Ramandeep Singh and Anutej Singh Barnala informed the commission that the minister could not attend due to personal commitments that required his presence in Delhi. Sangrur superintendent of police Rajesh Chhibber was also present during the proceedings.

After hearing the submissions, the commission adjourned the matter to June 15, making it clear that no further orders would be passed in his absence.

The case stems ...