'Open Hearing' and 'Camp Sitting' at Hyderabad

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC held a three day 'Open Hearing' and 'Camp Sitting' on the issues of human rights concerning the people of the States of Andhra Pradesh and Telengana at Hyderabad from the 22nd - 24th April, 2015. After inauguration of the programme by the NHRC Chairperson, Justice Shri K.G. Balakrishnan, the NHRC Members, Justice Shri Cyriac Joseph, Justice Shri D. Murugesan and Shri S.C. Sinha heard 21, 22 and 18 matters respectively in the 'Open Hearing'.
The intervention of the NHRC resulted in relief for many complainants in the matters taken up for 'Open Hearing'. Many cases of land disputes were resolved after the Commission directed issuance of 'Pattadar' passbooks to the allottees of land.
The Next day, in the 'Camp Sitting', 17, 11 and 10 cases, respectively were taken up by the Full Commission, Division Bench-I and Division Bench-II. In the matter of killing of 20 red sanders in a joint operation of police and forest officials in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, the Commission directed that in addition to its order dated 13th April, 2015, mobile number of all the officials involved in the police action, medico-legal reports of the police personnel injured in the action were also to be submitted to it. The Commission also decided to send its team for inquiry at the spot. In the case of killing of five under trial prisoners by police in District Nalgonda, the Commission directed inquiry by a judicial magistrate.
On the issue of rehabilitation of 920 bonded labourers in Krishna district, the Commission pointed out that the delay in their rehabilitation defeats the very purpose of their release from bondage.
In many cases of custodial death, where it was found that the police or prison authorities were responsible, the Commission recommended monetary relief amounting to Rs.7 lakh for the next of kin. In one case of encounter the Commission did not believe the police version and recommended compensation of Rs. 5 lakh.
The Commission also held a meeting with the representatives of NGOs which was followed by a meeting with senior officers of both the State Governments. The issues of discussions covered reforms in jails, bonded labour, police atrocities, grabbing of land of SCs, implementation of flagship programmes, delay in submission of reports etc. They were also told that investigations by police in the matters related to Scheduled Castes were not quick and fair as it should be. The District Magistrates and Labour Officers were needed to be sensitized about their functions and duties under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 and Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulations) Act, 1986. The issue of farmers' suicide was discussed in detail with the State functionaries. The State Government has informed that steps were being taken to address the problems of the farmers. The media was also informed on the outcome of the 'Open Hearing' and 'Camp Sitting'.