New Delhi. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of the allegations of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s wife demanding Rs 5 crore to suppress the rape case. It has been said in the complaint that these allegations have been made by former Punjab judge Justice Ranjit Singh.
A National Human Rights Commission bench headed by NHRC member Priyank Kanungo has taken cognizance of the case under Section 12 of the ‘Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993’. The Registry has been directed to issue notice to the Chief Secretary to the Government of Punjab (Chandigarh) and the DGP of Punjab. They should be directed to get the allegations made in the complaint investigated and submit an ‘action taken report’ within two weeks for the perusal of the Commission.
The NHRC notice said, “The Protection of Human Rights Act (PHR Act), 1993 has entrusted the National Human Rights Commission with the responsibility of protecting and promoting the rights of all the people of the country. It has also been given the powers of a civil court for investigation under Section 13 of the PHR Act, 1993.”
Quoting the complainant, the commission said in the notice, “A retired judge publicly stated that a demand of Rs 5 crore was made in a rape case in which the wife of the Chief Minister of Punjab was allegedly involved. The complaint filed by ‘Legal Rights Observatory’ raised concerns that such interference could affect the dignity, security, fair investigation and justice of the victim. This includes independent investigation of allegations, preservation of evidence and investigation by weakening or There has been a demand for an impartial investigation into any attempt to influence.”
It said, “The complainant has raised the point that the rape victim’s right to justice should be above any influence, status or position. The allegations made in the complaint prima facie appear to be a violation of the human rights of the victim. The Commission has also referred the matter to the Women Safety Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The Commission will take further action on the basis of the action taken report.