NHRC Takes Cognizance Of Allegation Of Rs 5 Cr Demand By Punjab CM's Wife To suppress Rape Case, Directs Probe

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of allegations that the wife of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann allegedly demanded ₹5 crore to suppress a rape case and has directed the Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) to inquire into the allegations and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks.

The NHRC Bench, headed by Member Priyank Kanoongo, passed the directions after a complaint/intimation dated August 21, 2026 was placed before the Commission. The matter has been registered as Case No. 903/19/0/2026.

According to the NHRC communication, the complaint alleged that a retired judge had publicly stated that a demand of ₹5 crore was made by CM Mann’s wife, Gurpreet Kaur, in connection with a rape case allegedly involving the wife of the Punjab Chief Minister.

The complaint further alleged that such interference could compromise the victim's right to dignity, safety, fair investigation and access to justice.

It urged an independent inquiry into the allegations, preservation of evidence and an impartial investigation into any attempt to dilute or influence the investigation. The complaint also emphasized that the victim's right to justice must remain above any influence, status or position.

The allegations have been made by former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Justice (Retd.) Ranjit Singh against Dr Gurpreet Kaur, wife of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

NHRC directs Punjab Chief Secretary, DGP to inquire

The Commission has directed its Registry to issue notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Punjab, and the DGP, Punjab, requiring them to get the allegations made in the complaint inquired into.

The authorities have also been directed to submit an Action Taken Report along with the report of the inquiry to the Commission for its consideration.

The ATR has been sought within two weeks from the date of receipt of the NHRC's communication.

The Commission has also directed that a copy of the proceedings be forwarded to the Joint Secretary, Women Safety Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, for information.

NHRC invokes Section 12 of Protection of Human Rights Act

The proceedings have been initiated under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

The NHRC communication notes that the Act entrusts the Commission with the responsibility of protecting and promoting human rights and confers upon it powers of a civil court for inquiry under the Act.

The Commission has stated that the allegations made in the complaint prima facie appear to raise issues concerning violations of the human rights of the victim.

"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" Kanoongo told news agency ANI on Saturday.

Pursuant to NHRC’s action, Kaur sent a legal notice to Justice (Rtd) Ranjit Singh, asking him to respond to the same within 24 hours of its receipt.

The notice states that if he fails to provide a response within the mandated 24-hour deadline, he will face legal proceedings and must appear before a court of law.