The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of allegations that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s wife Gurpreet Kaur Mann had sought Rs 5 crore to suppress a rape case.According to the complaint received by the commission, the petition about allegations of suppression was made by former Punjab judge Ranjit Singh.The NHRC Bench, headed by Priyank Kanoongo, Member, NHRC, has directed the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Punjab, to hold an inquiry and submit an action taken report (ATR) within two weeks.The commission has also forwarded the matter to the Women Safety Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.The commission will take further action on the basis of the action taken report.The NHRC, in its order, said, “The complainant alleged that a retired judge had publicly stated that a demand of Rs 5 crore was made in connection with a rape case, allegedly involving the wife ofPunjab CM. 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 inquiry into any attempt to dilute or influence the investigation.”The NHRC noted that the complainant’s take that a rape victim’s right to justice should remain above influence, status, or position.“The allegations made in the complaint prima facie seem to be violations of the human rights of the victim. The Bench of the National Human Rights Commission, presided by Priyank Kanoongo, Member, has taken cognisance under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, in the matter. The Registry has been directed to issue a notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Punjab, Chandigarh, and the DGP, Punjab, Chandigarh, with directions to get the allegations made in the complaint probed and to submit an action taken report within two weeks for perusal of the commission,” the NHRC ordered.Meanwhile, an official in the Chief Minister’s office said, “A legal notice has been served to Justice Ranjit Singh (retd) by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s wife Dr Gurpreet Kaur Mann. The retired judge is the brother-in-law of Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira. In this notice, Ranjit Singh has been asked to respond within 24 hours, failing which he will have to appear before court.”AAP NEFARIOUS ANTI WOMAN POLITICS EXPOSED!BLATANT CORRUPTION OF AAP IN BROAD DAYLIGHT!Worse. AAP TRIED TO SILENCE IT!NHRC has taken cognisance of allegations that the wife of Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann sought ₹5 CRORE to suppress a rape case — allegations reportedly made… pic.twitter.com/AqdxQMBAso— Pradeep Bhandari(प्रदीप भंडारी)🇮🇳 (@pradip103) August 22, 2026