The UN Special Representative on Business and Human Rights, Prof. John G Ruggie came to visit the Commission on its invitation. He was accompanied by Mr. Gerald Pachoud, Special Adviser. He held discussions with Mrs. Aruna Sharma, Joint Secretary (P&A), NHRC, on the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 and the Mandate of the Commission. In response to the issue of human right abuses in private sector raised by UN Special Representative, JS (P&A) said, it has been the endeavour of the Commission to expand the definition of human rights. If such abuses relate to violation of law by private companies, the Commission takes up the matter with concerned public authorities responsible for enforcement. In extreme cases, Commission may also take recourse to filing petition in Courts. He was informed about the Commission's interventions in Nandigram which centred on attempted land acquisition for setting up a chemical special economic zone. The discussions were also held about corporate social responsibility. Later on, the UN Special Representative met NHRC, Chairperson, Mr. Justice S. Rajendra Babu. Referring to the corporate social responsibility, the Chairperson drew attention to the role of cigarette companies and manufacturers of alcohol. He said, the corporate social responsibility should not confine to mere charity as there are larger issues of social accountability which need to be viewed in a larger perspective. Justice Rajendra Babu referred to the last Asia Pacific Forum Conference at Kuala Lumpur where the issue was discussed at length. Mr. Ruggie explained his mandate as UN Special Representative which included development of standards for the Government as well as companies. During the discussions, it was recognized that multi-national companies have grown more powerful than many governments and often discharge public duties. In such cases, there is a strong argument for treating them as a public authority. During the discussions Director (Research), NHRC, Mr. Y.S.R Murthy and Attaché in UNES Division, MEA, Mr. Sunit Mehta were also present.