The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India led by Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian today concluded its two-day Bihar Open Hearing and Camp sitting in Patna. The Chairperson and Members, Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi and Smt. Vijaya Bharathi Sayani heard more than 70 alleged cases of human rights violations in the presence of victims and concerned officers. The State Chief Secretary, Shri Pratyaya Amrit and DGP, Ms. Preeta Verma, NHRC Secretary General, Shri Piyush Goyal, DG (I), Smt. Anupama Nilekar Chandra, Joint Secretary, Shri Samir Kumar and other senior officers were present.

On Day-1, the Commission heard 30 cases and closed 19 cases after hearing the parties and finding the recommendations complied with. The State submitted proof of payment in 10 cases as recommended by the Commission, thereby providing relief for victims and their families. Altogether, compensation exceeding Rs. 1 crore was reported as disbursed, marking a significant step in ensuring justice and redress for human rights violations.

Various cases of serious human rights violations were taken up. In a case pertaining to a woman victim, the Commission directed the Bihar DGP to provide her protection and a dedicated helpline number she can call in case of any threat or when in need. The DGP was further directed to constitute an SIT as directed by the Commission.

In another case involving the rape and murder of a 10-year-old girl in Maner area of District Patna, the Commission recommended payment of Rs. 5 lakh as relief to the next of kin (NoK) of the victim. In two other cases of death in judicial custody, the Commission observed negligence of jail/ medical officials and recommended relief of Rs.15 lakh.

On Day-2 of the hearing today, the NHRC Chairperson heard 10 cases of alleged bonded labour. The Secretary, Labour, Labour Commissioner and other officers of Bihar Government were present. In one bonded labour case, the Commission expressed its displeasure over a Prison official representing the District Magistrate. In two cases pertaining to child labour, the Commission has directed the Labour Secretary to submit a detailed report as per the format given by the Commission.

In a case of alleged practice of multi-generation bonded labour, the Commission directed the Director General of Investigation, NHRC to conduct an on-the-spot enquiry.

On the same day, the Division Bench of the Commission comprising the Members, Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi and Smt. Vijaya Bharathi Sayani heard 33 cases, which included compliance matters and other complaints of alleged violation of human rights. Three cases not included in the list were taken up out of turn on a mention made by the complainant. During the proceedings, the Commission closed 10 cases after hearing the parties and reviewing compliance reports along with proof of payment of compensation of Rs. 40 lakh to the NoK of the deceased. In five other cases of death in judicial/ police custody wherein the Commission observed negligence of jail/ police officials, monetary relief of Rs. 30 lakh has been recommended. In other matters, further reports have been sought from the authorities.

After the hearing, the Commission interacted with representatives of NGOs, civil society organisations and Human Rights Defenders on important issues pertaining to the State of Bihar. The Chairperson accepted their suggestion for better coordination with the NHRC.

The Commission also held a meeting with senior officers of the State Government. Important issues like non/ delayed submission of reports to the Commission, lack of information among authorities about laws and Supreme Court judgments, issues pertaining to identification, rescue, release and rehabilitation of bonded labourers, violation of human rights by police, crimes against women and children including human trafficking, lack of proper implementation of the prohibition laws and resultant loss of lives, protection of children including child labour, school safety and child welfare, monitoring of shelter homes, correctional institutions and other residential care facilities were discussed. Concluding the Open Hearing and Camp Sitting, the NHRC Chairperson appreciated the officers for their cooperation, which helped in providing relief to the victims.

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NSK

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