The Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) has requested a report from the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Patiala regarding a police lathicharge on apprentice linemen protesting outside the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) headquarters in Patiala. The PSHRC's order, issued on June 8, follows the commission's review of media reports alleging that police bypassed standard procedures before resorting to force against a peaceful crowd. The linemen, who have been protesting since June 1, are demanding preferential treatment in recruitment after PSPCL announced new assistant lineman positions without requiring apprenticeship as a qualification. The protests escalated on June 5 when demonstrators blocked the office's entry and exit gates. Injuries were reported among the protesters during the police action, with some requiring treatment at Government Rajindra Hospital. In response, the police filed an FIR against the protesters, citing offenses such as unlawful assembly and obstruction of public servants. The incident has drawn significant criticism from opposition parties and labor groups, while police maintain that the lathicharge was conducted with proper authorization from a duty magistrate present at the scene.