1 week ago
NHRC Probe and Legal Notice Follow Rape Case Allegation
The NHRC said retired Justice Ranjit Singh complained that Gurpreet Kaur asked for Rs 5 crore to stop a rape case from being pursued.
Gurpreet Kaur is the wife of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
The NHRC asked Punjab’s top civil servant and police chief to investigate.
They must send their report within two weeks.
The NHRC also told the Union Home Ministry’s Women Safety Division about the matter.
Kaur sent Singh a legal notice asking for an apology within 24 hours.
Singh said he did not make any complaint and had not received the notice.
Opposition politicians called for answers, while the Aam Aadmi Party said the allegations were false.
Retired Justice Ranjit Singh was identified by the NHRC as the complainant alleging Gurpreet Kaur sought Rs 5 crore to suppress a rape case.
Singh denied making any complaint to the NHRC and said he had not received Kaur’s legal notice.
The NHRC directed Punjab’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to investigate and submit an Action Taken Report within two weeks.
Kaur’s notice reportedly seeks an apology within 24 hours and threatens legal proceedings if Singh does not respond.
Opposition leaders demanded clarification or further inquiry, while the Aam Aadmi Party defended Kaur and rejected the allegations as false.
- Who
- Gurpreet Kaur, Bhagwant Mann’s wife, is accused in a complaint the NHRC attributed to retired Justice Ranjit Singh; Punjab officials were ordered to investigate.
- What
- The allegation concerns an alleged Rs 5 crore demand to suppress a rape case, followed by an NHRC-directed inquiry and Kaur’s legal notice.
- Where
- The matter concerns Punjab and is before the National Human Rights Commission.
- When
- Kaur’s notice sets a 24-hour response or apology deadline; Punjab officials have two weeks to submit an Action Taken Report.
- Why
- The NHRC said the allegation could affect a victim’s dignity, safety, fair investigation and access to justice.
Allegation and Investigation
Denial and Legal Challenge
Whether a complaint was made
Allegation and Investigation
NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said the Commission received a complaint from former Punjab and Haryana High Court Justice Ranjit Singh alleging an attempted Rs 5 crore bribe to suppress a rape case.
Denial and Legal Challenge
Singh told The Indian Express that he had not complained to anyone about anyone and had not received Kaur’s legal notice.
Response to the allegation
Allegation and Investigation
The NHRC directed Punjab’s Chief Secretary and DGP to investigate, preserve relevant evidence and report within two weeks.
Denial and Legal Challenge
Kaur’s notice sought an apology within 24 hours and threatened legal action; the Aam Aadmi Party described the claims as false and defended her reputation.
Political accountability
Allegation and Investigation
Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal leaders called for Bhagwant Mann to clarify the matter; one former chief minister called for a CBI inquiry.
Denial and Legal Challenge
The Aam Aadmi Party said political and legal measures would be taken against what it characterized as false allegations and attacks on Kaur’s character.
Key facts
- Alleged demand
- Rs 5 crore, according to the allegation described by the NHRC
- NHRC action
- Directed Punjab’s Chief Secretary and DGP to inquire into the matter
- Report deadline
- Two weeks for an Action Taken Report
- Legal notice
- Gurpreet Kaur sought an apology from Singh within 24 hours, according to the report
- Contradictory account
- Singh said he had not complained to the NHRC and had not received Kaur’s notice
- Additional referral
- The matter was forwarded to the Women’s Safety Division of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs
- Political response
- Opposition leaders demanded clarification or further inquiry; the Aam Aadmi Party defended Kaur
Quotes
Bikram Singh Majithia
Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former Punjab minister.
“We have received a complaint from former Punjab-Haryana High Court Justice Ranjit Singh alleging that the wife of Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann attempted to hush up a rape case in exchange for a bribe of Rs 5 crore. It is a matter of concern when such an allegation is levelled against a person holding a top position in a state regarding a case involving the safety of women and children.”
thestatesman.com
indianexpress.com
“We have directed the Chief Secretary and the DGP of Punjab to investigate the matter and submit a report to us. We have also informed the Women’s Safety Division of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. We will be able to proceed with further investigation only after receiving the report.”
thestatesman.com
Ranjit Singh
Retired Punjab and Haryana High Court Justice who denied filing an NHRC complaint.
“I have not complained to anyone about anyone.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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