In Punjab, complaint filed over Gurmukhi calligraphy on scotch whisky packaging; probe on

Singh’s complaint refers to the popular brand’s special edition of Delux Blended Scotch Whisky which carries certain verses in Gurmukhi. The box carries a label which says ‘Gurmukhi Calligraphy by Tarundeep’ with verses attributed to Sheikh Baba Farid like “Vekh Farida mitti khulli, mitti utte mitti dulli” and “Na kar bandeya meri meri”. The verses are printed all over the box in Gurmukhi script.

Sheikh Baba Farid is a revered Muslim saint whose hymns find special resonance in Sikhism and are included in the Guru Granth Sahib.

According to Singh, though the verses on the box have been attributed to Sheikh Baba Farid, he believes they are not backed by conclusive proof. “However, the use of such verses which are widely attributed to the saint can hurt the sentiments of the devout followers in a state like Punjab,” he said in his complaint.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Naresh Dubey, Additional Commissioner Excise and Taxation, said that Cheema has ordered an immediate investigation into the matter. “We are despatching teams to find out where these boxes containing the liquor bottles are being sold as this is a very serious matter,” he said.