‘Bribe to suppress rape case’ allegation: Mann’s wife sends notice to ex-judge

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's wife, Gurpreet Kaur, has issued a legal notice to retired Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Ranjit Singh, demanding a response within 24 hours over allegations he made against her. The notice was sent following claims by Singh that Gurpreet Kaur attempted to suppress a rape case and offered him Rs 5 crore in exchange for doing so. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which governs Punjab, confirmed the legal steps were taken and emphasized that Singh must reply promptly or face potential legal consequences. The controversy began when Justice Ranjit Singh (retired) filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), alleging that Gurpreet Kaur tried to silence a rape case through financial means. This led the NHRC to take notice of the situation and direct Punjab’s chief secretary and Director General of Police to look into the allegations. NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo stated that the commission had received the complaint from Singh and expressed concern over the nature of the accusation, particularly because it involves a high-ranking individual in a state government and matters related to women and child safety. Kanoongo explained that the NHRC had instructed Punjab’s administrative authorities to conduct an inquiry and provide a detailed report. Additionally, the commission informed the Women’s Safety Division of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs about the issue. Kanoongo stressed that the NHRC would only proceed with further investigations once the report was submitted and cautioned officials against being influenced by political pressures, warning that disciplinary action might follow if they yielded to such influences. The NHRC granted Punjab 15 days to submit an Action Taken Report, after which it would determine the next course of action based on the findings. This directive highlights the seriousness with which the commission views the allegations and underscores the need for a thorough examination of the claims. Gurpreet Kaur’s decision to send a legal notice follows the NHRC’s involvement and reflects her intent to address the accusations directly. The AAP, which supports Mann, has remained silent on the specifics of the allegations but has backed the legal measures taken by Gurpreet Kaur. Meanwhile, Singh’s claims remain unverified, and the outcome of the ongoing investigation will likely shape future developments. The incident has sparked public interest, with online polls showing mixed opinions on whether legal actions against Singh are justified. Some argue that Gurpreet Kaur is merely protecting her reputation, while others suggest that the allegations raise additional questions that need to be addressed. As the investigation unfolds, all parties involved are expected to comply with the NHRC’s directives and ensure transparency in their responses. The legal notice from Gurpreet Kaur sets the stage for a formal process that includes the submission of reports and potential judicial review. The NHRC’s role in overseeing this process ensures that due diligence is carried out, and the results of the investigation will determine the validity of the allegations and any subsequent actions.