The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Thursday (18 July) issued a notice to news channel HTN Tiranga TV’s promoter Promila Sibal, the wife of senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal over alleged verbal abuse of female staffers, based on a complaint by journalist Barkha Dutt.

As per a copy of the letter made public by Barkha Dutt, the NCW directed Promila Sibal to submit a detailed explanation within seven days over the allegations of “unparliamentary language being repeatedly used against female staffers”.

The notice also touched upon the reported sacking of 200 Tiranga TV employees, whose employment has allegedly been terminated without paying the necessary dues.

Barkha Dutt a former consulting editor for Tiranga TV had filed a complaint with the NCW yesterday (17 July) after levelling a series of allegations against Sibal and his wife.

Barkha among other things, had accused Sibal and his wife of using disparaging language against women journalists, while also intimidating staffers with threats of defamation.

Promila Sibal in her defence has rubbished the NCW complaint as a blackmailing tactic.

“All her (Barkha’s) dues have been cleared barring 13 days in July. This (accusation) is just a blackmailing trick...She wants us to pay her more money. Her contract finishes in October but her services were terminated on July 13. She wants us to pay money till January next year”, Promila Sibal was quoted as claiming.