British Parliamentary delegation holds discussions with the Chairperson

eight-member Parliamentary delegation, drawn from the Labour Friends of India Group, United Kingdom, led by Mr. Barry Gardiner, called on the Chairperson Justice Shri J.S. Verma on 23 January 2002.



During the ensuing discussion, the Chairperson explained the role of the Commission in the protection of human rights. Referring to the amendments proposed by the Commission to the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 in March 2000, the Chairperson stated that, in the absence of these amendments, the Commission had been construing the existing provisions of the statute, in particular Section 19 relating to the Armed Forces, as widely as possible in order to promote a culture of human rights.



He also mentioned that the Commission had brought out a calendar to spread human rights awareness, letting people know the meaning and significance of human rights and the ambit of NHRC’s functions.



In response to a query, he elaborated on the stand taken by the Commission on the Prevention of Terrorism Bill, 2000 as well as the Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance, 2001.



When asked about the ratification of the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment by India, the Chairperson stated that the Indian Constitution contained strong guarantees against the use of torture. He added that the provisions of the Constitution had been interpreted in an expansive manner by the Supreme Court. In this connection, he also pointed out that, in the Vishaka judgement, the Supreme Court had held that international conventions and norms can be relied upon for construing domestic law and enlarging the scope of fundamental rights when there is no inconsistency between them or there is a void in the domestic laws. He observed that, even while the Commission had been urging the Government to ratify Convention without further delay, the extent of scrutiny within the country by the Supreme Court and the National Human Rights Commission was wide and continuous.



Other issues discussed included the death penalty, combating terrorism under the rule of law, and a visit by the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture.