NHRC ‘Open Hearing and Camp Sitting’ for the rights violation cases of Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura concludes in Shillong; ₹15 Lakh recommended as relief to the victims of human rights violation

Shillong, 15th December, 2021

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India, concluded its two days ‘Open Hearing and Camp Sitting’ in Shillong today recommending payment of ₹15 lakh as relief in different cases of violation of human rights of different communities of the people in the States of Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura. During the hearing of 19 cases, the State Governments’ officers informed that they have already paid ₹10.54 lakh as per the recommendations of the Commission in some cases to the victims and the remaining amount of ₹46,000/- will be being disbursed soon and the proof of payment will be submitted to the Commission.

All the 19 cases were heard by the Full Bench of the Commission presided over the Members, Mr. Justice M.M. Kumar, Dr. D.M. Mulay and Mr. Rajiv Jain. These included 6 cases from Meghalaya, 3 from Mizoram and 10 from Tripura.

NHRC Secretary General, Mr. Bimbadhar Pradhan, Director General (Investigation), Mr. Santosh Mehra, Registrar (Law), Mr. Surajit Dey, Joint Secretary, Mr. Harish Chandra Chaudhary and other senior officers and staff of the Commission, as well as officers of the State Governments of all the three States and complainants were present in the Open Hearing. Mr. S.S. Dey, Advocate General, Tripura, was also present, representing the State.

The matters heard in the ‘Open Hearing’ included non-receipt of the report cases; show cause notice cases; and compliance cases. Two cases pertaining to deaths of labourers in illegal mines in Meghalaya were also heard. One of the cases related to the forcible eviction of Tribal people living in the forest area in Tripura was also heard. One case of death in judicial custody in West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, was closed as the Meghalaya State Human Rights Commission has taken prior cognizance and is already seized of the matter. In the case of non-distribution of food through PDS to the Chakma people, the Commission has asked the Secretary, Mizoram State Legal Services Authority to verify the version of the State authorities. In the case of rape of a minor girl by a Para-military personnel in the State of Tripura, the Commission has recommended an amount of ₹7,00,000/- to be paid to the victim. The Commission, while appreciating generosity of the Advocate General of Tripura, has also asked the State to ensure proper medical care and treatment to a handicapped person. The Commission has also asked the State of Meghalaya to submit proof of payment of ₹3,00,000/- in a case of encounter death and to the State of Mizoram for payment of an amount of ₹5,00,000/- in a case of human rights violation in police custody.

Earlier, inaugurating the 41st ‘Open Hearing and Camp Sitting’, Mr. Justice M. M. Kumar, Member, NHRC said that the Public Hearings provide platform for speedy justice to the citizens of India, especially SCs/STs and other vulnerable classes of the society. Complainants and officials come at one place for speedy justice and succor to the victims. He further said that the Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) and the civil society representatives are crucial for protection of human rights and they should be given due participation in the process of protection and promotion of the human rights of the people.

A meeting of the Commission with Chief Secretaries, DGs of Police & their representatives, and other senior officers of all the three States was also held in the afternoon on 14th December 2021.

The Secretary General, NHRC, while opening the discussions, informed that the NHRC is extensively using the HRCNet Portal for ensuring easy and quick submission of reports. He, while highlighting the States’ specific issues, emphasized on the need for Action Taken Reports (ATRs) from all the three State Governments on 22 advisories issued by the Commission.

Mr. Justice M.M. Kumar, while addressing the officers of the States emphasized on the issues relating to the right to health, right to food, rights of the prisoners, and the persons suffering from mental illness. He also mentioned about the issues relating to the conditions of the inmates staying in homes for widows and elderly persons.

Mr. Rajiv Jain, Member called upon the officers for expeditious submission of the requisite reports and asked them to file these reports in the prescribed proforma in cases related to deaths in custody and in particular the Post Mortem Examination Reports.

Mrs. R.V. Suchiang, IAS, Chief Secretary, Meghalaya, stated that in some of the NHRC advisories, they have already submitted ATRs and in the remaining, they will send the ATRs in due course of time. As regards the case of illegal mining, steps are being taken to prevent the same in coordination with various concerned agencies. She also assured submission of Post Mortem Examination Reports and other reports in the prescribed format as per the guidelines of the Commission.

Mr. David H. Lalthangliana, OSD, Home Department, Govt of Mizoram, submitted that the suggestions and advices of the Commission will be taken care of by the State for promoting and protecting the rights of the people of the State.

Mr. Lalminga Darlong, IPS, DIG (NR) Tripura, submitted that they have submitted Action Taken Reports in eight of the advisories of the Commission and assured that ATR in the remaining advisories would be submitted shortly.

The Commission also held a discussion with NGOs / HRDs and members of the Civil Society, during their interactions on 15th December 2021 who raised issues of healthcare, SCs/STs, women, elderly and children. The Commission reiterated that the NGOs are the eyes and ears of the Commission and they are true partners of the Commission in spreading awareness regarding the promotion and protection of human rights.

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