1 week ago
NHRC Orders Punjab Probe Into Rs 5 Crore Allegation
The National Human Rights Commission is looking into a serious allegation in Punjab.
The allegation says the wife of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann sought Rs 5 crore to stop a rape case from being properly investigated.
The allegation was attributed to former judge Justice Ranjit Singh.
The Legal Rights Observatory filed a complaint with the NHRC.
The NHRC says the allegation could affect the victim’s rights and access to justice.
It has asked Punjab’s top civil and police officials to examine the matter.
They must send a report within two weeks after receiving the NHRC’s letter.
The NHRC has also informed a women’s safety division in the Union Home Ministry.
No conclusion about the allegation has been announced.
The NHRC has directed Punjab’s Chief Secretary and DGP to examine an allegation involving Bhagwant Mann’s wife.
The allegation says she sought Rs 5 crore to suppress or hush up a rape case.
The complaint was filed by the Legal Rights Observatory and attributed to former judge Justice Ranjit Singh.
Punjab authorities must submit an Action Taken Report within two weeks of receiving the NHRC communication.
The matter was also sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Women Safety Division for consideration.
- Who
- The NHRC, Punjab’s Chief Secretary and DGP, the Legal Rights Observatory, and former judge Justice Ranjit Singh are involved; the allegation concerns Bhagwant Mann’s wife.
- What
- The NHRC ordered an examination of an allegation that Bhagwant Mann’s wife sought Rs 5 crore to suppress or hush up a rape case.
- Where
- The alleged interference concerns a rape case in Punjab, and the complaint was raised before the NHRC.
- When
- Punjab authorities must submit an Action Taken Report within two weeks of receiving the NHRC communication.
- Why
- The NHRC said the allegation could indicate possible violations of the victim’s rights to dignity, safety, fair investigation and access to justice.
Allegation and Rights Concerns
Inquiry and Due Process
Whether interference occurred
Allegation and Rights Concerns
The complaint alleges that Bhagwant Mann’s wife sought Rs 5 crore to influence or suppress a rape case, potentially compromising the victim’s rights.
Inquiry and Due Process
The allegation has not been established by the NHRC; Punjab authorities have been asked to examine it and report their actions before the Commission decides its next course.
How the matter should be handled
Allegation and Rights Concerns
The Legal Rights Observatory sought independent verification, evidence preservation and an impartial inquiry free from influence or status.
Inquiry and Due Process
The NHRC has assigned the initial examination to Punjab’s top civil and police authorities and warned officials against acting under political pressure.
Key facts
- Alleged amount
- Rs 5 crore
- Allegation
- Seeking money to suppress or hush up a rape case
- Complaint filer
- Legal Rights Observatory
- Allegation attributed to
- Former judge Justice Ranjit Singh
- NHRC deadline
- Two weeks from receipt of the communication
- Punjab authorities directed
- The Chief Secretary and Director General of Police
- Additional referral
- Women Safety Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs
Quotes
National Human Rights Commission
India’s statutory human rights commission
“We have received a complaint from former Punjab-Haryana High Court Justice Ranjit Singh alleging that the wife of Punjab CM Bhagwant Man 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
“The complaint, filed by Legal Rights Observatory (LRO), raises concerns that such interference could compromise the victim's right to dignity, safety, fair investigation, and access to justice. It requests independent verification of the allegations, preservation of evidence, and impartial enquiry into any attempt to dilute or influence the investigation.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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