NHRC a “toothless” tiger: SC

By A Staff Reporer

IMPHAL| July 14

The Supreme Court in its observation has termed that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has been reduced to a ‘toothless tiger.’ It also felt imperative that the state governments should constitute a State Human Rights Commission for protection of the citizens.

EEVFAM in its petition to the apex court had appraised the cases which were inquired into by the NHRC. “As many as 20 deaths were reported to the NHRC as a result of fake encounters or the use of excessive or retaliatory force. Of these, seven complaints are still pending before the NHRC. We request the NHRC to take a decision on these complaints as soon as possible,” the SC said.

It also observed that there is no specific information regarding two complaints namely of Ningthoujam Premkumar and Laishram Lincoln who were shot dead by Manipur police commandos in separate incidents. The court also directed the CBI to ascertain the facts by the special investigating team in this regard.

The court also directed that FIRs be registered against the remaining 11 cases of fake encounters where compensation has been given.

“In the remaining complaints, the NHRC has awarded compensation to the next of kin of the deceased, meaning thereby that there is more than a prima facie case of a fake encounter or the use of excessive force. We direct registration of FIRs in respect of these complaints,” the court ruled.

It may be pointed out that the Manipur State Human Rights Commission has been lying defunct for about a decade.

The court observed that the NHRC and the state commissions are mandatory in protection of life and liberty of every individual. Whereas, it was submitted by the NHRC to the court that all its communications and guidelines have remained only on paper and not enforced by any state government.

The NHRC also stated that there are half hearted compliances and unexplained delays by the state governments, that the prescribed guidelines have not been followed. Moreover, it complained that there is inadequate staff and infrastructure to deal with the ever rising cases of human rights abuse throughout the country.

The NHRC had submitted to the apex court that the Manipur government has not given compensation to some cases of fake encounters, though it had recommended. The court has directed the Union of India to take remedies at the earliest regarding the concerns of the NHRC.