In a move underscoring the UK’s commitment to high ethical standards, two prominent British Indians, Lord Rami Ranger and Anil Kumar Bhanot, have been stripped of their prestigious honours by the Honours Forfeiture Committee. The rare decision has prompted a mix of public debate and reflection on the expectations tied to national awards.
Lord Rami Ranger: Business Leader and Peer
Lord Rami Ranger, a Conservative peer and major donor, was stripped of his Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) title, awarded in 2016 for his contributions to business and community cohesion. The revocation stemmed from findings of bullying, harassment, and inflammatory remarks. In 2022, an investigation by the House of Lords Commissioner for Standards found Ranger guilty of harassing journalist Poonam Joshi during a Diwali event and through subsequent social media interactions. Additionally, Ranger faced backlash for derogatory comments about Sikhs and Pakistani-origin BBC staff, raising questions about his commitment to community harmony.
Ranger has expressed remorse, issuing apologies and participating in corrective actions such as social media training. However, he described the committee’s decision as unjust and is reportedly exploring legal avenues to challenge it
Anil Kumar Bhanot: Advocate for Interfaith Relations
Anil Kumar Bhanot, recognized in 2010 with the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) title for his work in promoting interfaith harmony, also had his honour revoked. Bhanot served as General Secretary of the Hindu Council UK, an organization known for fostering dialogue among religious communities and addressing concerns of the Hindu diaspora. Under his leadership, the council tackled issues of religious equality, promoted interfaith understanding, and worked to highlight the cultural contributions of British Hindus.
While specific details of the committee’s reasoning for his revocation remain limited, the decision reflects concerns about his conduct potentially undermining the values associated with the honours system. Sources suggest the forfeiture stemmed from actions perceived to have discredited the system or his prior commitments
Mixed Reactions to the Decision
The Honours Forfeiture Committee, responsible for these decisions, operates with strict confidentiality and evaluates whether recipients’ actions align with the values of the honours they hold. These revocations are based on evidence from official investigations rather than criminal trials, ensuring the honours system remains a mark of ethical and exemplary conduct
The decision has sparked a range of reactions, with some welcoming it as a necessary step to uphold the integrity of the honours system. Hindus for Human Rights UK (HHR UK) expressed their approval on social media, stating, “This is a welcome step toward holding individuals accountable, regardless of their community leadership status or political connections. Ethical standards must remain paramount.” The group emphasized the importance of integrity and accountability among public figures
Supporters of the individuals, however, have raised concerns about transparency in the process and fairness in revisiting past incidents. Despite this, the decisions highlight the UK’s commitment to upholding the prestige of its honours system, irrespective of the recipients’ social or professional stature.
This rare action serves as a reminder of the responsibilities tied to national awards and the critical importance of ethical conduct in public life.
