NEW DELHI: Leaders of political parties on Feb.8 urged the Government to enlarge the scope of the proposed Human Rights Commission to include violation of the Fundamental Rights guaranteed by the Constitution, During consultations with the Home Minister at a meeting convened by him, political leaders, while welcoming the proposal to set up the commission, also demanded that its gambit be broad-based to include civil, political and socioeconomic rights. CPI(M) leader Saifuddin Chowdhary said the commission should also look into violations of human rights by organized groups and sectional interests, a view which was echoed by other leaders including Sikander Bakht (BJP), Harikishore Singh (Janata Dal), Bhogendra Jha (CPI) and P.G.Narayanan (AIADMK). Chowdhary said the commission should not be based strictly on the western concept, but the opportunity should be taken to ensure that the commission fills the role of a which dog to protect the politico socioeconomic rights of people. While the leaders cautioned there should be no overlap with the work of other three national commissions in established judicial system, it should be empowered to make it an effective body.
Chavan said the commission could be given the authority to publish reports of its inquiries immediately in addition to an annual report that may be placed before Parliamentary or state legislatures. The Home Minister said the commission could take a comprehensive view on human rights violations while focusing attention on violations of human nights relating to life, liberty, and dignity of the individual.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 12, 1993
