Allegations Against CM’s Wife.. What’s the Real Story?

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has ordered an inquiry into serious allegations against Dr. Gurpreet Kaur Mann, wife of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The allegations claim that she demanded Rs.5 crore to broker a settlement and suppress an alleged rape case. Taking the matter seriously, the commission directed the Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit an action-taken report within two weeks. The complaint was brought before the commission based on public statements made by former Punjab judge Ranjit Singh.

A bench headed by NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo took suo motu cognisance of the matter under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The commission also forwarded the case details to the Women Safety Division under the Union Home Ministry. It clarified that the allegations are being treated only as allegations at this stage and that further action will depend on the inquiry report. Meanwhile, Gurpreet Kaur Mann sent a legal notice to former judge Ranjit Singh, calling the allegations false and demanding an unconditional clarification within 24 hours, failing which she warned of a defamation case.