The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Saturday ordered the Punjab government and the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) to initiate an inquiry into an allegation that the state Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann’s wife demanded Rs 5 crore to suppress a rape case, officials reported. 

The rights panel has sought an action taken report on the matter within a period of two weeks. However, the Punjab government did not issue an immediate response to the body until the report was being filed. 

NHRC takes cognisance of complaint

As per the proceedings dated August 21, the complaint claimed that a retired judge had publicly alleged that CM Bhagwant Mann’s wife demanded Rs 5 crore in connection with a rape case, promising to suppress it. 

An NHRC official aware of the development said the Commission had taken cognisance of the allegation that Mann’s wife allegedly sought Rs 5 crore to suppress the case. He added that according to the complaint, the allegation had been made by a former judge of Punjab. 

The complaint was filed by the Legal Rights Observatory, which voiced concerns over alleged interference in the case and its potential impact on the victim’s fundamental rights. 

Victim’s right to justice paramount, says complainant

The complainant expressed apprehension that any attempt to influence the case could compromise the victim’s right to safety, dignity, a fair probe and access to justice.  It sought independent verification of the allegations, preservation of relevant evidence and a fair inquiry into any alleged bid to dilute or influence the probe. 

The complainant also asserted that a rape survivor’s right to justice must remain ‘above status, influence or position.’

An NHRC bench, headed by its member Priyank Kanoongo, took cognisance of the allegations and noted that the matter prima facie appeared to raise concerns regarding the violation of the survivor woman’s human rights. 

The Commission assumed cognisance of the matter under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. 

Chief secretary, DGP directed to act

The NHRC registry has been instructed to issue notices to Punjab’s Chief Secretary as well as the Punjab government and the DGP. Furthermore, the authorities have been directed to have the allegations contained in the complaint inquired into and submit an action taken report within two weeks, so that the Commission could consider it. 

Additionally, the proceedings also directed that a copy of the order be sent to the Joint Secretary, Women Safety Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, for information.

The NHRC’s direction does not establish the allegation as fact. It calls for the claims made in the complaint to be independently examined and reported back to the Commission.