Vigilant and conscious citizens vital for good governance: NSHRC Chairperson

NSHRC Chairperson Songkhupchung Serto addresses an awareness on Human Rights and the Role of State Human Rights Commissions in its Better Protection' at Kohima Law College on August 23. (Morung Photo)

NSHRC Chairperson Songkhupchung Serto addresses an awareness on Human Rights and the Role of State Human Rights Commissions in its Better Protection' at Kohima Law College on August 23. (Morung Photo)

Morung Express news 
Kohima | August 23 

Vigilant and conscious citizens are essential for good governance to prevail in the society, underscored Justice Songkhupchung Serto, the Chairperson of the Nagaland State Human Rights Commission (NSHRC) on Friday.

Democracy does not end on election day; it continues daily. Therefore, public participation in influencing government rules and policies is crucial, he noted, addressing an awareness programme on 'Human Rights and the Role of State Human Rights Commissions in its Better Protection' at Kohima Law College on August 23.

The NSHRC collaborated with the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) and Kohima Law College for the event.
Regarding human rights, the newly formed NSHRC has extensive powers and jurisdiction, although it cannot issue writs, noted Serto, a retired judge of the Gauhati High Court.

Since its formation in 2023,  he informed that it has received public complaints, taken suo moto actions, conducted inspections, and submitted recommendations to concerned state government authorities.

Knowledge of the law pertinent
Discussing laws like Articles 249, 250, and 252, he observed that while the Rajya Sabha has the authority to pass resolutions on state matters during emergencies or on subjects of national interest, some of these resolutions adopted in the aftermath have had shortcomings.

However, some of these resolutions have been adopted and passed by states by simply notifying without revisiting the resolutions passed by the house, he said.

He noted that the issue persists when members of the house are not adequately advised by bureaucrats and maintained that knowledge of the law and rule of law was important for running the country or the state. 

On the issue of the drug menace in the region, Serto highlighted that many offenses under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), 1985 which are compoundable have not been dealt with and disposed of wholly due to lapses, especially during investigation.

At the seizure stage, many procedures are not followed in proportion to the law, he said, adding that in cases that require severe punishment, the prescribed rules are also stringent.

In this regard, the Chairperson called on law students to advocate to the public on the need to work hand in hand with government agencies and render cooperation during such procedures to bear witness.

He also encouraged them to become extensive readers and be well-versed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights document, which has influenced much legislation worldwide.

Human Rights is universal
In his opening remarks, NSHRC Member R Nzanbemo Lotha noted that the programme aimed to introduce the NSHRC and inform people about its establishment in 2023 as one of the youngest SHRC in India.

He also highlighted its powers and functions and said the NSHRC operates like a civil court and is deemed judicial in nature, with additional mandate order any inquiry on any state or other organisation.

Lotha also encouraged those present to become human rights defenders, emphasising that, just as one should protect and promote their own rights, it is equally important to extend the same effort to others.

In the panel discussion, Nagali Shohe, Panel Lawyer, NSLSA shared on the Protection of Human Rights Act 1993 and said that the NSHRC was created as an autonomous statutory body as per the Act.

The Commission is mandated to inquire into human rights violations for subjects referred in the State List and Concurrent List, mentioned in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, she added.   

Apila Sangtam, Retainer Lawyer, NSLSA, also gave an overview of Legal Services and informed that Section 12 of the Act provides the criteria for giving legal services to eligible persons.

Every person who has to file or defend a case shall be entitled to legal services if the person is a member of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe or a victim of trafficking in human beings or a beggar as referred to in Article 23 of the Constitution, she added.



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