NHRC recommends Rs.3 lakh as relief to twelve African national women victims of racial prejudice by the then Delhi Law Minister (30.10.2014)
PRESS RELEASE
New Delhi, 31st October, 2014
The National Human Rights Commission has recommended monetary relief of Rs.25 thousand each to twelve African national women, victims of racial prejudice and unlawful acts by Shri Somnath Bharti, the then Law Minister of the Government of NCT of Delhi, with his supporters at Khirki Extension in Delhi in the intervening night of the 15th - 16th January, 2014. The Commission viewed that human rights of the African women were violated and hence it was a fit case for award of monetary relief.
The Commission has asked the Government of NCT of Delhi, through its Chief Secretary, to submit compliance report along with proof of payment within eight weeks.
After considering the reports of Shri B.L. Garg, Retired Additional District & Sessions Judge and its own Investigation Team, the Commission observed that the then Law Minister with his supporters humiliated the African women and wrongfully confined them in a vehicle on the ground that they were indulging in sex racket and drug trafficking. But when they were illegally searched by a lady doctor at AIIMS, no drug could be recovered. They were also abused racially. The then Law Minister, prima facie, violated the provisions of law while holding the Constitutional post.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has informed the Commission, in response to its show cause notice that investigations in the criminal proceedings in a court of law are in the process of finalization.
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New Delhi, 31st October, 2014
The National Human Rights Commission has recommended monetary relief of Rs.25 thousand each to twelve African national women, victims of racial prejudice and unlawful acts by Shri Somnath Bharti, the then Law Minister of the Government of NCT of Delhi, with his supporters at Khirki Extension in Delhi in the intervening night of the 15th - 16th January, 2014. The Commission viewed that human rights of the African women were violated and hence it was a fit case for award of monetary relief.
The Commission has asked the Government of NCT of Delhi, through its Chief Secretary, to submit compliance report along with proof of payment within eight weeks.
After considering the reports of Shri B.L. Garg, Retired Additional District & Sessions Judge and its own Investigation Team, the Commission observed that the then Law Minister with his supporters humiliated the African women and wrongfully confined them in a vehicle on the ground that they were indulging in sex racket and drug trafficking. But when they were illegally searched by a lady doctor at AIIMS, no drug could be recovered. They were also abused racially. The then Law Minister, prima facie, violated the provisions of law while holding the Constitutional post.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has informed the Commission, in response to its show cause notice that investigations in the criminal proceedings in a court of law are in the process of finalization.
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