NHRC orders Punjab probe into CM wife's bribe allegation

The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the Punjab government, directing an inquiry into allegations that the wife of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann demanded a bribe to suppress an assault case. The commission has given the state's top officials two weeks to submit a report on the matter.

The complaint, filed by the Legal Rights Observatory, is based on a statement by former Punjab and Haryana High Court Justice Ranjit Singh. It alleges that the Chief Minister's wife sought Rs 5 crore to hush up an assault case. The NHRC took cognizance of the complaint on August 21, 2026, noting that the allegations, if true, would prima facie constitute a violation of the victim's human rights.

In response, the NHRC bench, headed by member Priyank Kanoongo, has directed the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police of Punjab to conduct an investigation. They are required to submit an Action Taken Report within two weeks. The commission has also forwarded the matter to the Women Safety Division of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for its consideration.

Kanoongo emphasized the gravity of the allegations, stating it is a matter of serious concern when such claims are...