NHRC hears grievances on child deaths, pensions and police action in Hyderabad open hearings

Hyderabad: As many as 90 cases of the 109 human rights violation cases across Telangana were heard by the National Human Rights Commission in its two days of open hearing in Hyderabad.

The cases heard include:

- Child deaths in hospitals due to fire incidents

- Menace of stray dogs

- Tiger attacks

- Trafficking of tribal women

- Forcible eviction of tribal families

- Denial of basic amenities

- Crime against women and crime against children

- Police atrocities

- Suicidal deaths

- Misappropriation of Dalit Bandhu funds

- Family pension issues

- Lack of primary schools

- Food poisoning in Gurukul schools

- Malnutrition

- Police refusing to register FIRs

The hearing was led by NHRC chairperson Justice V Ramasubramanian and members Dr Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi and Vijaya Bharati Sayani, with the victims, complainants and other authorities present.

Key interventions and decisions:

The commission passed significant decisions to provide relief and ensure justice:

In a case of caste-based harassment and social boycott in Khammam district, police intervention, prompted by NHRC, ensured that villagers ceased discriminatory practices against the affected family.

Regarding the tragic deaths of 48 students and 886 incidents of food poisoning in Gurukul schools, the commission directed the secretaries of all five Gurukul Schools to submit detailed reports within four weeks.

For a case of wrongful arrest and police lathi-charge, the State government was directed to submit all relevant documents, including environmental clearance and consent to establish the plant.

Following a blast at a DRDO-linked rocket propellant unit that claimed four lives, Rs 50 lakhs was paid to three families, with the commission ordering payment to the remaining family.

Addressing the increasing stray dog menace, raised by a Class 5 student, the authorities were directed to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

In a case of tribal women trafficking, the erring constable was dismissed, and many trafficked women were rescued.

Additionally, the full commission heard 19 cases, leading to the recommendation of Rs 49.65 lakhs in compensation across nine cases. Of this, Rs 22.50 lakhs has already been disbursed, and the government has committed to paying the remaining Rs 27.15 lakhs. The commission also closed 29 cases on merits and 92 cases after receiving compliance reports and proof of payment.

Engagement with State officials and civil society

On the final day, the commission held a crucial meeting with senior Telangana government officials, including the chief secretary and Director General of Police. Dr Justice Shameem Akther, chairperson of the Telangana State Human Rights Commission, also participated in these meetings.

NHRC Secretary General Bharat Lal emphasised the importance of inclusive policy implementation, preventive measures against human rights violations, and prompt submission of action taken reports.

Issues discussed were:

- Crime against women and children

- Human-animal conflict

- Child malnutrition

- Problems faced by SC Corporation

- Lack of primary government schools

- Farmers' plight, including fish seed producers

- Rights of LGBTQI and the community

Good practices appreciated

The commission appreciated the State functionaries’ compliance and good practices, urging them to submit action taken reports on various advisories, including those on mental health, bonded labour, and right to food and safety.

Non-government organisations and human rights groups highlighted issues concerning the elderly, disabled, bedridden patients and poor children lacking identity documents, also seeking financial assistance for caregivers of severely disabled persons.

NHRC Chairperson Justice V Ramasubramanian appreciated the efforts of NGOs and human rights activists.

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