NHRC issues notice to Government of Gujarat

The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the escalating communal violence in Gujarat and has issued the following notice today:

“This matter is registered for suo motu action on the basis of media reports, both print and electronic. In addition, a request on e-mail has also been received requesting this Commission to intervene.

This matter relates to the existing serious situation in the State of Gujarat. The news items report a communal flare-up in the State of Gujarat and what is more disturbing, they suggest inaction by the police force and the highest functionaries in the State to deal with this situation. In view of the urgency of the matter, it would not be appropriate for this Commission to stay its hand till the veracity of these reports has been established; and it is necessary to proceed immediately assuming them to be prima facie correct. The situation, therefore, demands that this Commission take note of these facts and steps-in to prevent any negligence in the protection of human rights of the people in the State of Gujarat irrespective of their religion.

Issue notice by FAX today to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Gujarat for their reply within three days indicating the measures being taken and in contemplation to prevent any further escalation of the situation in the State of Gujarat which is resulting in continued violation of human rights of the people.

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(Justice J.S.Verma), Chairperson

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(Justice K.Ramaswamy), Member

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(Justice Sujata V.Manohar), Member

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(Virendra Dayal), Member"