The Itanagar permanent bench of the Gauhati High Court has come down hard on the Arunachal Pradesh government for its inertia in activating the Arunachal Pradesh State Human Rights Commission (APSHRC). Despite a 2022 court order following a public interest litigation (PIL), the commission remains largely non-operational, with only a single member on board. The court expressed its dismay after the petitioner’s counsel highlighted this glaring deficiency. Further criticism was directed at the state government for neglecting its duty under Section 21 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, which mandates the complete constitution of the APSHRC.
The court delved deeper, questioning the historical functionality of the APSHRC and probing whether the state had adhered to Section 28 of the same Act. This section obligates the commission to deliver annual reports and, if necessary, urgent reports of particular importance to the state government. Additionally, inquiries were made regarding the formation of a special investigation team in line with Section 37.
With a hearing set for 24 February, disappointment looms large over the government’s apathy in securing a fully functioning commission. This body plays a critical role in offering citizens a platform to address grievances and seek justice. The delay not only extends an already prolonged judicial journey but also severely limits public access to justice avenues. It underscores the urgent need for the government to act promptly in establishing a fully capacitated APSHRC, ensuring that ordinary citizens are not denied their rightful agency for fair hearings and just resolutions. The state’s inaction serves as a stark reminder of the bureaucratic hurdles that continue to hamper human rights advocacy, calling for immediate rectification in the interest of justice and accountability.
Original Source: https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2025/02/06/delay-in-full-formation-of-state-human-rights-commission/
Category : Editorial
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Publish Date: 2025-02-06 01:28:00
