First Camp of the Full Commission at Lucknow - Draws Authorities' Attention to Failure in Filing FIRs & Delay in Compliance, Directs State Government to Complete All Pending Magisterial Inquiries
In order to dispose complaints expeditiously and also deal and deliberate upon other related issues, the Commission in its meeting held on November 21, 2006 decided to hold its sittings in the State capitals. It was felt that such a meeting would help to get information about the status of the complaints to the parties, help receive fresh complaints and sensitize the state functionaries on the issues concerning Human Rights. It will also help review the progress made by each State on the recommendations of the Commission, particularly those related to Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
Pursuant to this decision, the Commission held its first sitting outside Delhi in the Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow from 18th to 20th January, 2007. During its three day sitting, the Commission drew the attention of the UP authorities to a number of issues including failure to file FIRs, delay in compliance with its recommendations and delay in sending requisite details or reports on custodial deaths.
In its special meeting with Chief Secretary, Secretary Home, Secretary Health, Additional Director General Police (Human Rights) DG (Prisons) the Commission asked the officials to expedite the compliance of sending reports such as magisterial inquiry and viscera report of those who died in custody. The State Government was directed to complete all pending magisterial inquiries within three months and all future inquiries within three months and in exceptional cases within six months.
The Commission also expressed deep concern on the inadequate action taken against erring revenue officials found guilty of manipulation of records, in the context of several cases of living landholders being declared dead for usurping their property. The Commission suggested a survey to trace such cases and issuing of public notices inviting petitions/complaints from affected parties in such cases. It has also directed the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Secretary to submit a comprehensive report of all such incidents in the state by March 12, 2007 and to send a full status report on the action taken against the erring persons in such cases. The revenue secretary has also been directed to attend the commission on March 15, 2007.
The Commission said it was a matter of concern that the number of Juvenile Justice Boards, Child Welfare Homes, Observation Homes and Special Homes were far below the number of districts in the State. Juvenile Justice Boards have been set up in only nine districts and Protective Homes in 51 districts. Child Welfare Committees were still being set up and information regarding setting up of Children's Homes for infants in 63 districts, for boys in 56 districts and girls in 67 districts were still awaited, the Commission expressed concern. With regard to the status of juvenile observation homes the Commission said it was disturbing due to lack of hygiene, opportunities for education.
The Commission also discussed the plan of action adopted by the State to prevent and end trafficking of women and children. The Commission recommended revival of the system of board of visitors in jails. The Commission drew the attention of the State authorities to repeated instances of bonded and child labour in the State. During discussions, the Commission expressed concern at the high infant mortality rate, maternal mortality rate and malnutrition. However, it expressed satisfaction that the State government had completed the Chaitanya Vihar Phase-II in Vrindavan for destitute women.
In the three-day sittings, 32 cases of Full Commission and 150 cases of Single Members were disposed of. Nearly 1000 cases were listed for these three days. The Commission impressed upon the State authorities to expedite responses and reports. The State authorities in some cases furnished reports in Lucknow itself and assured that the responses and reports will be expedited within the timeframe.
Pursuant to this decision, the Commission held its first sitting outside Delhi in the Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow from 18th to 20th January, 2007. During its three day sitting, the Commission drew the attention of the UP authorities to a number of issues including failure to file FIRs, delay in compliance with its recommendations and delay in sending requisite details or reports on custodial deaths.
In its special meeting with Chief Secretary, Secretary Home, Secretary Health, Additional Director General Police (Human Rights) DG (Prisons) the Commission asked the officials to expedite the compliance of sending reports such as magisterial inquiry and viscera report of those who died in custody. The State Government was directed to complete all pending magisterial inquiries within three months and all future inquiries within three months and in exceptional cases within six months.
The Commission also expressed deep concern on the inadequate action taken against erring revenue officials found guilty of manipulation of records, in the context of several cases of living landholders being declared dead for usurping their property. The Commission suggested a survey to trace such cases and issuing of public notices inviting petitions/complaints from affected parties in such cases. It has also directed the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Secretary to submit a comprehensive report of all such incidents in the state by March 12, 2007 and to send a full status report on the action taken against the erring persons in such cases. The revenue secretary has also been directed to attend the commission on March 15, 2007.
The Commission said it was a matter of concern that the number of Juvenile Justice Boards, Child Welfare Homes, Observation Homes and Special Homes were far below the number of districts in the State. Juvenile Justice Boards have been set up in only nine districts and Protective Homes in 51 districts. Child Welfare Committees were still being set up and information regarding setting up of Children's Homes for infants in 63 districts, for boys in 56 districts and girls in 67 districts were still awaited, the Commission expressed concern. With regard to the status of juvenile observation homes the Commission said it was disturbing due to lack of hygiene, opportunities for education.
The Commission also discussed the plan of action adopted by the State to prevent and end trafficking of women and children. The Commission recommended revival of the system of board of visitors in jails. The Commission drew the attention of the State authorities to repeated instances of bonded and child labour in the State. During discussions, the Commission expressed concern at the high infant mortality rate, maternal mortality rate and malnutrition. However, it expressed satisfaction that the State government had completed the Chaitanya Vihar Phase-II in Vrindavan for destitute women.
In the three-day sittings, 32 cases of Full Commission and 150 cases of Single Members were disposed of. Nearly 1000 cases were listed for these three days. The Commission impressed upon the State authorities to expedite responses and reports. The State authorities in some cases furnished reports in Lucknow itself and assured that the responses and reports will be expedited within the timeframe.