NHRC Takes Notice of Alleged ₹5 Crore Demand to Suppress Rape Case Involving Punjab CM’s Wife

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken notice of allegations that Dr. Gurpreet Kaur Mann, wife of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, allegedly demanded ₹5 crore to suppress a rape case. According to the complaint received by the commission, the allegation was raised in a petition concerning a statement reportedly made publicly by former Punjab judge Justice Ranjit Singh. The complaint was filed by the Legal Rights Observatory (LRO), which sought an independent verification of the allegations and an investigation into any possible attempt to influence or undermine the case. A bench headed by NHRC member Priyank Kanungo directed the Punjab Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) to look into the allegations and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks. The commission has also forwarded the matter to the Women Safety Division of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The NHRC said that further action would be considered after examining the report submitted by the Punjab authorities. In its order, the commission noted the complainant’s allegation that a retired judge had publicly claimed that the Punjab Chief Minister’s wife had allegedly sought ₹5 crore in connection with a rape case. The complaint expressed concern that such alleged interference could affect the victim’s dignity, safety, right to a fair investigation and access to justice. The LRO has sought an independent verification of the allegations, preservation of evidence and an impartial inquiry into any attempt to weaken or influence the investigation. The NHRC also took note of the complainant’s contention that the right of a rape survivor to justice must remain above any influence, status or position. The commission observed that the allegations made in the complaint appeared, prima facie, to raise concerns regarding the victim’s human rights. The NHRC bench took cognisance of the matter under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. Notices have been directed to be issued to the Punjab Chief Secretary and the DGP, requiring them to investigate the allegations and submit an ATR within two weeks.