NHRC concludes 'Open Hearing and Camp Sitting' at Chennai, Tamil Nadu (13.09.2019)

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC held two days 'Open Hearing and Camp Sitting' in order to address the grievances of the people speedily at Chennai, Tamil Nadu on the 12th – 13th September, 2019.

Justice Shri H. L. Dattu, Chairperson, NHRC inaugurated the Open Hearing it at Anna Centenary Library, Gandhi Mandapam Road, Surya Nagar, Kotturpuram, Chennai-600085 at 10.00 AM on the 12th of September, 2019. In his inaugural address, Justice Dattu stated that the Commission was deeply concerned about welfare of women as well as SC/STs, mental health and these open hearings/camp sittings were important mechanisms with vital roles. The objective is to take up cases of alleged human rights violation of the SC/STs and other weaker sections apart from other important cases pending with the Commission. Shri K. Shanmugam, IAS, Chief Secretary in his address mentioned that the Camp Sitting was a platform providing voice to the people of the State to raise their grievances and get speedy justice at their door step. He assured the Commission the full cooperation and commitment of State in protection and promotion of human rights.

Shri Jaideep Govind, IAS, Secretary General, NHRC during his address mentioned that the purpose of this camp sitting was redressal of grievances of the common man, dissemination of the knowledge about the working of the Commission, encouraging efforts by the NGOs/Human Rights Defenders, use of common Service Centres for making/submission of online complaints etc. Besides, the hearing of the cases, the Government officers will also be sensitized about the issues concerning human rights.

After the inauguration, the Commission took up 179 cases in the 'Open Hearing' which were heard by the Chairperson, Justice Shri H.L. Dattu, Members, Justice Shri P.C. Pant, Mrs. Jyotika Kalra and Dr. Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay. These related largely to the grievances and complaints of atrocities against the persons belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities due to action, inaction or omission by the public authorities, bonded labourers issues, police inaction, harassment etc.. Out of the total cases, the Commission recommended compensation of Rs.8 lakhs in two cases. These cases include a case of custodial torture resulting in fracture of both the legs of one person and piercing the cheeks of 20 children as part of a prayer for the speedy recovery of former Chief Minister Ms. Jayalalitha. In four cases, the Commission has issued Show Cause Notices to the Chief Secretary asking him to explain as to why compensation should not be recommended to be paid to the victims. These cases include a case of beating and breaking of leg of a 41 year old man by the police and illegal detention of a number of persons for 63 days. The Commission came across the issue of non-release of pension in a number of cases due to pending verification of the community certificate etc. The Commission closed 71 cases, after consideration. In rest of the matters, the Commission has called for further reports/or comments of the complainants. During the Full Commission hearing, the issues pertaining to silicosis death, houses for marginalized sections of society in Villupuram district, dumping of garbage in Chennai city, release and rehabilitation of bonded labourers, relief and rehabilitation for minor girl victims of sexual exploitation, denial of facilities in textile industries and garments factories in the State were raised. Out of the ten cases taken up by the Full Commission, one case was closed and in other cases action taken reports were called for.

During interaction with the NGOs, the following issues were raised :-

· Sterlite Industry atrocities

· Non-functioning of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana State Human Rights Commissions

· Improper implementation of Disability Act

· Police Atrocities

· Grievances of women workers in textile industries

· Problems faced by inter-state migrant workers

· Denial of scholarships to SC/ST students.

The Commission assured that the NGOs are the eyes and ears of the Commission and it was committed to support them.The Commission directed the State Government to take steps for -

a) Rehabilitation of women who were sexually assaulted;

b) Review of women homes in the State

c) Urban improvement like handling of garbage in Chennai,

d) Housing for poor tribals in Villupuram

e) Silicosis prevention, detection, relief and rehabilitation

f) Basic amenities for women workers in textile and garment industries

g) Release and rehabilitation of bonded labourers.