Chandigarh: Dr Gurpreet Kaur, wife of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has sent a legal notice to Doordarshan News anchor Bhawna Nair and former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Justice Ranjit Singh (retd.), seeking a written and unconditional apology within 24 hours over what she described as “false and defamatory” allegations.
The controversy began after Justice Ranjit Singh made allegations at a press conference that Dr Gurpreet Kaur had allegedly played a role in helping a rape accused get relief in return for a financial transaction. The allegations were subsequently reported by DD News.
Demand to remove disputed content
The legal notice, sent through advocate Aneesha, has demanded that the disputed material be removed immediately. It also seeks publication of an apology from the retired judge.
The notice reportedly gives the recipients 24 hours to issue a written and unconditional apology.
Justice Ranjit Singh says he will fight case in court
Responding to the notice on Monday, Justice Ranjit Singh (retd.) declined to respond to the allegations through the notice and said he would contest the matter in court.
He said he would present all the facts before the court and claimed that the proceedings could reveal information involving not only the person concerned but also several others.
Justice Ranjit Singh also clarified that he had not filed any complaint against Dr Gurpreet Kaur with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The NHRC, however, has directed the Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to look into the allegations and submit an action-taken report within two weeks.
