Latest news with #ProtectionofHumanRightsAct
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Accused cops in Ambasamudram case in active duty; fast-track cases, say activists
Madurai: Human rights activists in Madurai have condemned the continued service of police personnel, including a serving IPS officer, who were allegedly involved in the 2023 Ambasamudram custodial torture case. Under the banner of Joint Action Against Custodial Torture (JAACT) - Tamil Nadu, the activists on Saturday pointed out that unlike the recent Ajith Kumar custodial death case, where swift action was taken, no arrests were made in the Ambasamudram case, and all accused officers remain in active duty. They demanded fast-tracking of all pending custodial torture and death cases and sought compensation for victims and their families. Henri Tiphagne, advisor, JAACT, noted that Balveer Singh IPS and 13 other police personnel in his team were booked in four different cases of custodial torture and all are pending before court. "After placing Balveer Singh under compulsory wait and then suspended, in Jan 2024, the Tamil Nadu govt revoked his suspension. Now, he receives his full salary and since March 2024, he has been serving as assistant commandant (ASP), Tamil Nadu Special VIII Battalion in Tihar Jail, New Delhi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo He is being protected and kept safe in a place away from Tamil Nadu," he said. Tiphagne also pointed out that since the first hearing in the JM court No 1, Tirunelveli, held on Dec 13, 2023, Singh has appeared for only 10 of the 22 hearings held so far, with the trial yet to begin. The JAACT also condemned that IAS officer P Amudha's interim report on the case was made public and submitted in court but her final report has not yet been furnished despite a Sept 2023 high court order. "We are to initiate contempt proceedings against Amudha regarding the matter. We also want to point out that the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act which was there in the original FIR, was removed in the charge sheet, merely because Balveer Singh belongs to the scheduled tribe status though his other co-accused are from the backward castes. The SC/ST Act can still be invoked against other accused. This clearly amounts to 'institutional cheating and suppression of material facts' in an investigation by the CBCID," added Tiphagne. The JAACT also demanded for all victims to be provided compensation and apology as they are victims of gross police torture. "The high court must fast-track all pending cases of custodial torture and custodial deaths and in turn ensure that its registrars and the Legal Services Authority also periodically monitor such cases of custodial torture and deaths. There can be a special court for all cases of torture, namely, in the designated district human rights court, under the Protection of Human Rights Act with day to day trials being foreseen so that speedy trial assured in practice," they stated.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
TG Human Rights Commission disposing cases on fast track: Justice Shameem Akhtar
There are always two sides to a dispute, with allegations and counter-allegations. We cannot accept anything at face value. Our job is to detect the mischief and deliver justice. I am for alternative dispute resolutions: Justice Akhtar In a remarkable development that augurs well as regards delivery of justice, the Telangana Human Rights Commission (TGHRC) hit a new peak by disposing of more than 2,800 cases in less than two months, which translates to an average of clearing over 1,000 cases a month. A credit for putting in place a workable and achievable speedy disposal system goes to Justice Dr. Shameem Akhtar, who achieved this distinction since taking over as the Commission's Chairman on April 17. Not surprisingly, he inherited a backlog of around 11,500 pending cases. These included a wide range of human rights issues such as civil disputes, matrimonial conflicts, domestic violence, and criminal cases, among others, all falling under Section 21D of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. In a chat with the writer, Justice Akhtar emphasized the Commission's commitment to treating every complaint with equal seriousness. There would be no discrimination or prioritization, whatsoever. 'Every case is important. Irrespective of whether it is a dispute over one rupee or a crore, we will view and address them with the same lens of justice, which is what matters at the end of the day. Judges must build a reputation that prevents external interference in order to ensure that the judicial process remains just and fair,' is his governing yardstick, which sounds pragmatic and helps build public trust. Incidentally his roots are equally illustrious. His father the late Jaan Mohammed served as the superintendent of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, while mother Raheemunnisa is a literature enthusiast. In a way, coming from a family of advocates, the legal spark in him was ignited while he was quite young. 'For nearly 100 years, there have been more than a handful of lawyers from my maternal side,' he points out with a sense of professional pride. Incidentally, Justice Akhtar had an affinity for social and political activism from an early age but chose law as his profession given that he was naturally drawn to it. 'I would wake up early and read law magazines and make notes,' he recalls of his growing up years, a passion that has propelled his career to the zenith. His career-graph shows a steady rise right from the time he enrolled himself in the Nalgonda Bar in 1986. He served with distinction as a district judge to eventually rise to the stature of judge of the Telangana High Court. He served as the registrar of AP High Court for nearly five years. Notably, Justice Akhtar led a one-man commission that was constituted by the Telangana state government on Scheduled Caste sub-classification. With a legal career spanning over 16 years as an advocate and six years on the bench, Justice Akhtar is no stranger to rigorous workload. An indication of the dexterity with which he handles cases is evidenced by the fact that he has delivered judgments in over 18,000 cases and an equal number of interim applications. Justice Akhtar points out that while the Commission is prioritising older cases, new cases are being taken up simultaneously to maintain the momentum. 'Nearly 70 to 80 new complaints are registered with us every week. However, we are disposing of thrice that number to ensure that we reduce the backlog efficiently,' he points out, while stressing on striking a balance between pending and new cases. The Commission's recent push is not merely a matter of numbers. According to the Chairman, the real challenge lies in carefully examining each case to unravel the truth. 'Like a coin, there are always two sides to a dispute, comprising allegations and counter-allegations. We cannot accept anything at face value. Our job is to detect the mischief and deliver justice,' he maintains. Justice Akhtar also stressed the importance of alternative dispute resolution. 'My advice to most people is to settle disputes amicably outside the court, whenever possible. It saves time, money, energy, and shields individuals from complex legal entanglements,' he notes. (The writer is a software engineer and journalist, best known for his book 'The Kohinoors: Distinguished Personalities of Hyderabad')
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Pregnant woman's death: NHRC pulls up govt for not paying relief to kin
Cuttack: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has pulled up the Odisha govt for failing to pay compensation to the family of a 32-year-old pregnant woman who died allegedly due to medical negligence two days after her release from jail custody in Rayagada district in 2023. In a fresh order dated July 14, 2025, the commission expressed dissatisfaction over the non-compliance of its earlier directive issued on Dec 5, 2024, where it had directed the chief secretary to pay a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased, Manorama Dongori, within six weeks. The NHRC noted that only forwarding letters had been received from the authorities concerned, with no proof of payment or compliance report. "The compliance report, along with proof of payment, is still awaited," the commission stated, directing the chief secretary to submit the required documents within four weeks, by Aug 21, 2025. The case relates to a complaint filed by Jeypore-based human rights activist and advocate Anup Kumar Patro on Jan 14, 2023, alleging that Dongori, who was nine months pregnant, was arrested during a protest and subsequently denied adequate medical attention while in custody. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo She died on Jan 14, 2023, two days after her release from jail. The commission had earlier reviewed preliminary reports submitted by local authorities but found them insufficient. A medical expert on NHRC's panel, after reviewing the documents, stated that it was unclear whether the woman had received appropriate treatment while in custody. The expert recommended submission of the full set of medical treatment records and a legible post-mortem report to determine the cause of death. In light of the incomplete submissions, the commission had directed the Rayagada SP to furnish the required documents within four weeks, which also remain pending. The NHRC has now reiterated its demand for compliance and submission of the full report, including the compensation proof and medical records, for further consideration. The commission has warned that failure to comply will invite coercive action under Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Time of India
NHRC lens on tribal couple's public humiliation in Rayagada
CUTTACK: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has registered a petition after a shocking incident in Rayagada district's Kanjamajodi village, where a tribal couple was allegedly tied to a yoke and forced to till a field in full public view as punishment for being in a relationship within the same clan. The couple, Kodia Saraka (32) and Laka Saraka (28), were subjected to the humiliation by villagers after their relationship was deemed a violation of tribal customs, as Laka is said to be Kodia's paternal aunt. The incident came to light after videos of the couple being forced to till the land went viral on social media. Sources said a local kangaroo court had ordered the so-called 'purification' ritual, claiming their union was sinful and could bring misfortune to the community. Taking cognisance of the matter, human rights activist Anup Kumar Patro filed a complaint with the NHRC on Saturday, urging the commission to direct the state's chief secretary to investigate the incident and ensure justice for the victims. "This incident is a clear violation of human rights and dignity," said Patro. A Berhampur-based NGO also petitioned the NHRC, seeking its urgent intervention and demanding strict action against those involved. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 東京の猫好きがこの猫型ランプに夢中になる理由を大公開！ Wmet 詳細 Undo The organisation argued that the incident is a blatant violation of Article 21 (right to life and dignity) and Article 19 (freedom of choice) of the Constitution, as well as the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The rights group has urged the commission to order an independent probe, ensure strong action against the perpetrators, provide adequate compensation and rehabilitation to the victims, and recommend measures to prevent such unlawful punishments in future.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Time of India
NGT lens on tribal couple's public humiliation in Rayagada
Cuttack: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has registered a petition after a shocking incident in Rayagada district's Kanjamajodi village, where a tribal couple was allegedly tied to a yoke and forced to till a field in full public view as punishment for being in a relationship within the same clan. The couple, Kodia Saraka (32) and Laka Saraka (28), were subjected to the humiliation by villagers after their relationship was deemed a violation of tribal customs, as Laka is said to be Kodia's paternal aunt. The incident came to light after videos of the couple being forced to till the land went viral on social media. Sources said a local kangaroo court had ordered the so-called 'purification' ritual, claiming their union was sinful and could bring misfortune to the community. Taking cognisance of the matter, human rights activist Anup Kumar Patro filed a complaint with the NHRC on Saturday, urging the commission to direct the state's chief secretary to investigate the incident and ensure justice for the victims. "This incident is a clear violation of human rights and dignity," said Patro. A Berhampur-based NGO also petitioned the NHRC, seeking its urgent intervention and demanding strict action against those involved. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like So sánh mức trượt giá: Hợp đồng tương lai (CFD) Bitcoin vs Ethereum IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo The organisation argued that the incident is a blatant violation of Article 21 (right to life and dignity) and Article 19 (freedom of choice) of the Constitution, as well as the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The rights group has urged the commission to order an independent probe, ensure strong action against the perpetrators, provide adequate compensation and rehabilitation to the victims, and recommend measures to prevent such unlawful punishments in future.
