ABP NEWS, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

NHRC directs Odisha DM to act against official flouting Covid https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/nhrc-directs-odisha-dm-to-act- against-official-flouting-covid-norms-at-wedding-function20210606142710 The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Sunday directed the district magistrate and collector of Odisha's Jagatsinghpur district to act on a petition alleging a state bureaucrat violated Covid-guidelines by participating in a dance procession during her brother's wedding. The NHRC had passed the order recently acting on a petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer and human rights activist, Radhakanta Tripathy. The NHRC in its order stated, "This complaint be transmitted to the concerned authority for such action as deemed appropriate. The authority concerned is directed to take appropriate action within eight weeks associating the complainant/victim and to inform him/her of the action taken in the matter." On May 21 Bulbul Behera, an Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officer, serving as Tehsildar of Sukinda, along with her brother, family members and other participants in a wedding procession of her brother in nearby Jagannathpur village under Tirtol block of Jagatsinghpur district, violated Covid guidelines blatantly as the district administration of Jagatsinghpur and Police remained inactive and negligent causing thereby threat to public life and created health hazard. Since a person of her stature did this, others became fearless and followed the suit, said Tripathy in his petition. A video shot on May 21 evening by a whistleblower during the wedding function of the woman bureaucrat's brother, showed guests dancing mostly without wearing masks and maintaining social distancing, flouted COVID guidelines by taking a procession at night with more than permissible limits. Panchayati Raj institutions like Sarpanchs have been given responsibilities to keep the spread in the pandemic under check in rural areas. But in the present case the State Official, who was in charge of adherence of the guidelines herself thrown the laws to wind and violated Covid guidelines, the plea pointed out. Tracing, tracking and vaccinating the participants of the "Marriage Procession and feast are required in the present case. The woman officer was also assigned the responsibility to impose the Covid-19 guidelines and ensure that the general public abides by the rules. The Odisha Government fails to discipline its own officials, Tripathy alleged. There are several instances where Police or the Government officials slaps , beats people for slightly breaking the Covid guidelines. However, in the present case they themselves violate Covid guidelines without responsibility and accountability, Every time whistleblowers should not be expected to capture the scene in camera, Tripathy pointed out. The petitioner sought for replies from the State Authorities on the following questions. Legal action against all the violators including the Bureaucrat, Groom and brides families who are directly responsible for the violation of Covid guidelines. The Authority who has given permission and why the Police , area Magistrate-in-charge and local Sarpanch failed to keep vigil over the incident has also been brought to the notice of the NHRC. The favoritism factor for the officer, the role of the whistle blowers and departmental action are to be probed by the District Collector after the NHRC direction. Besides these testing and taking adequate measures for Covid should be done for all the participants of the procession, the petition of Tripathy, added. "Why it is always the whistleblowers, tweeter, facebook, social media users required to register a case against powerful persons, not the rule of law and the area Magistrate and police?" Tripathy questioned. Tripathy requested the NHRC to ensure all participants of the ABP NEWS, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

procession and function be tested for Covid. The plea also urged the NHRC to arrest the persons flouting the COVID guidelines and ensure a fair trial of the case and to take legal action against the local Magistrate (In-charge of Covid protocol), police and the Sarpanch who allowed the violation of Covid-19 guidelines at night. (ANI)

HINDU, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

‘650 doctors died during second wave’ https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/650-doctors-died-during-second- wave/article34746905.ece Many of them were young professionals: IMA As many as 650 doctors lost their lives during the ongoing second wave of COVID-19 in the country, J.A. Jayalal, national president of the Indian Medical Association, said on Sunday.

Addressing an online workshop for doctors on “Deciphering and dealing with deaths - facts and insights,” he said many of them were young and extremely bright professionals. He said India lost 753 doctors during first wave.

Recollecting the recent attack on a doctor in , Dr. Jayalal said the medical fraternity was vulnerable to such attacks in the absence of adequate mechanisms to ensure their safety.

He said the pandemic had exposed the lack of dignity in deaths in India, with many bodies floating in the Ganga and people having to cremate bodies on roadsides. He said this had resulted in the National Human Rights Commission issuing an advisory to State and Union governments.

A number of doctors from across the country shared their expertise on different aspects of dealing with deaths in hospitals. Sudha Seshayyan, Vice-Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, spoke on voluntary full-body donations.

She highlighted the need for clearer guidelines and clarity on registration for donation, intimation and transport after the donor dies and honouring those donated.

Ajay K. Kriplani, director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, stressed the importance of effective and continuous communication with relatives on patients’ health.

Abhay Dalvi, president, Association of Surgeons in India, said there were government circulars stating that cases could be registered against doctors for the deaths of patients only after a medical committee finds ground for such legal action. “However, the police immediately register a case based on complaints,” he said.

Pawanindra Lal, executive director, National Board of Examination, stressed the need for introducing courses for medical students on empathy and effective communication at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Satyanarayan Sabat, ADGP, Lucknow, spoke on the importance of regular liaison and communication between hospitals and local police stations for effective handling of medico-legal cases and to avoid law and order problems.

Nilima Kadambi, chairperson, Doctors for Doctors (D4D) initiative, IMA, and M. Kanagavel, member, D4D initiative, IMA, coordinated the discussion. The Tribune NEWS 18, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

दल: म य देश के हड़ताल डॉ टर के समथन म उतरे AIIMS और सफदरजंग के डॉटर https://hindi.news18.com/news/delhi-ncr/delhi-aiims-and-safdarjung-doctors-march-in- support-of-doctors-of-madhya-pradesh-nodbk-3612746.html एस और सफदरजंग (AIIMS And Safdarjung) के रेजीडट डॉटर (Resident Doctors) ने मय देश म दशन कर रहे डॉटर के समथन म क डल माच नकाला. मय देश के डॉटर मानदेय बढ़ाने और अगर वह या उनके परवार के लोग संमत होते ह तो ऐसी िथत म उह अपताल म बतर मुहैया कराये जाने क मांग कर रहे ह. दोन अपताल के डॉटर ने ी अरबदं ो माग (Sri Aurobindo Marg) तक माच कया और मय देश के डॉ टर क मांग का समथन कया. फेडरेशन ऑफ रेजीडट डॉटस एसोसएशन के तनधय ने राय मानवाधकार आयोग (एनएचआरसी) के अय यायमूत अण कु मार मा (सेवानवृ ) से भी मुलाकात क और उह मय देश म दशन कर रहे डॉटर क मांग से अवगत कराया. एस के रेिजडट डॉटस एसोसएशन के एक पदाधकार ने बताया क मय देश के मुयमंी को वरोध करने वाले डॉटर के साथ तकाल बैठक करनी चाहए और अगले 24 घंट के भीतर इस मु दे को हल करना चाहए. ऐसा नहं होने पर देशयापी वरोध दशन आयोिजत कया जाएगा. मय देश उच यायालय वारा डॉटर के दशन को ग़ैरक़ानूनी बताए जाने और डॉटर को यूट पर वापस जाने का नदश देने के बाद राय के करब 3,000 डॉटर ने अपने पद से इतीफा दे दया है. राय सरकार न े शनवार को इन डॉटर को छाावास खाल करने के नदश दए ह. मय देश म जूनयर डॉटर क हड़ताल ने सयासी रंग भी ले लया है. चकसा शा मंी ववास सारंग ने कांेस पर ह जूनयर डॉटर को गुमराह करने का आरोप लगाया है, तो पूव मंी और कांेस के वरठ नेता पीसी शमा ने उन पर पलटवार कया है. पीसी शमा ने ववास सारंग के इस बयान पर कहा है क कांेस ने जू नयर डॉटस को हड़ताल पर बैठने के लए नहं कहा था. उहने कहा क सरकार को ऐसे वत म अपने अहंकार को छोडक़र जू नयर डॉटर से बातचीत करना चाहए.

HINDUSTAN TIMES, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

BJP intensifies campaign on post-poll violence in Bengal after man’s murder https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/kolkata-news/bjp-intensifies-campaign-on-post- poll-violence-in-bengal-after-man-s-murder-101622989470532.html Violence by Trinamool Congress (TMC) after the assembly polls continues unabated, the Bharatiya (BJP) alleged on Sunday afternoon after Jaiprakash Yadav, a labourer, was killed by a crude bomb in the Jagaddal area of North 24 Parganas district.

The BJP alleged that with Yadav’s death, the number of party workers killed since the announcement of poll results on May 2 touched 27. The party has been carrying out a relentless campaign not just in Bengal but other states as well. On Sunday, the issue was discussed at a meeting held at the Delhi residence of BJP national president JP Nadda.

Claiming that Yadav was a BJP supporter, Arjun Singh, the party’s MP from the district’s Barrackpore constituency, said, “TMC has unleashed terror in the district and other parts of Bengal. I have informed the ,” said the former TMC leader who joined the BJP before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. He also virtually attended the meeting held by Nadda.

Local police officers said Yadav’s murder took place hours after a raid was conducted to nab known criminals and three firearms were seized. “We have started a probe,” an officer from the local police station said on condition of anonymity.

Somnath Shyam, TMC legislator from Jagaddal said, “The incident has nothing to do with politics. It is the fallout of the BJP’s internal feud. Local people said Yadav’s killer lost his arm in the explosion. Police are conducting raids.”

Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar accused the administration of inaction and asked the chief secretary to meet him on Monday.

“Extremely alarming law & order scenario @MamataOfficial. Security environment is seriously compromised. In such a grim situation called upon Chief Secretary to brief me on the law and order situation on Monday 7th June and indicate all steps taken to contain post poll violence,” tweeted Dhankhar.

“There is rampant post poll retributive violence @MamataOfficial. Disturbing that this ostracisation has graduated to social boycott & denial of benefits they are otherwise entitled. They are made to suffer “extortion fee” for living in their own house or run their own business,” Dhankhar wrote in a second tweet, referring to an alleged incident of social boycott of 18 people by the TMC at Mahishda in West Midnapore.

HINDUSTAN TIMES, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

A host of national leaders of the BJP, including Union finance minister , targeted Bengal’s ruling party on this issue on Saturday. While the TMC alleged that the list circulated on social media was fake the local police registered a case of rumour-mongering.

TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh, who was made a state general secretary by chief minister on Saturday, said, “The governor feels unwell if he does not write tweets against the state government. He is an agent of the BJP. Before the polls, he called for a change in the government. No governor can do that.”

In the recent polls, the TMC bagged 213 of the state’s 294 seats while the BJP could wrest only 77.

“It is the governor’s job to look after the welfare of citizens. He can always summon the chief secretary and ask why BJP workers are being targeted. These incidents are sending a message to people across the nation,” said BJP state vice-president Jay Prakash Majumdar.

To make the alleged violence a political issue across India, leader of the opposition in the Bengal assembly, , has held virtual meetings with BJP leaders across several states.

On June 2, more than 600 academicians from several states signed a joint statement against the alleged post-poll violence in Bengal. They appealed to the National Human Rights Commission, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Commission for Women to conduct probes.

Last week, the Supreme Court agreed to hear some petitions seeking a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the alleged violence.

On May 24, as many as 146 retired public servants, including former judges, bureaucrats, ambassadors and police and army officers wrote to President seeking an SIT headed by a retired Supreme Court judge.

Bengal BJP’s chief spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya said, “If the Hathras incident in Uttar Pradesh can become national news and prompt opposition parties to target the BJP, why should not the violence in Bengal be discussed by people across the nation? Ten people were killed between May 2 and May 5, the day Mamata Banerjee took the oath as chief minister. After that, 27 more were murdered.”

Bhattacharya alleged that many women were raped or molested but nobody dared to file a police complaint either fearing social ostracism or because of threats.

HINDUSTAN TIMES, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

TMC Lok Sabha member said the BJP is carrying out a malicious campaign. “There is no such widespread violence,” he said.

Police investigation into some of the alleged murders has pointed at death by suicide. Days after taking the oath, Banerjee said 16 people were killed in post-poll violence and half of the victims were TMC workers.

HINDUSTAN TIMES, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

MP junior doctors' stir: AIIMS, Safdarjung residents warn of nationwide protest https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mp-junior-doctors-stir-aiims-safdarjung- residents-warn-of-nationwide-protest-101623027530086.html Resident doctors of All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) and Safdarjung hospital in Delhi have offered to their fraternity members, protesting in Madhya Pradesh, demanding a stipend hike and priority Covid-19 treatment for them and their family members.

The doctors from the top two hospitals of the national capital on Sunday took to the streets at around 7pm and marched towards Aurobindo Marg, holding a candlelight vigil. Protesting doctors also raised slogans demanding justice for junior doctors of MP and held placards of the AIIMS Delhi Resident Doctors' Association and the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FRDA).

"We are enraged to learn about the atrocities and callousness of the government of Madhya Pradesh," said representatives of the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) in a statement. "The resident doctors are protesting for their rightful demands which were denied outrightly and the outraged administration is headed to spoil the careers of thousands of trainee doctors," they also said.

"Our healthcare system is anyways in shambles and any further reduction in manpower will affect it adversely," the statement added.

The representatives of FORDA also met National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairman Justice Arun K Mishra (retd) and apprised him of the concerns of agitating junior doctors in MP.

The doctors demanded that Madhya Pradesh chief minister immediately meet protesters and resolve the issue within the next 24 hours. Failing in doing so will lead to nationwide agitation, they warned.

Thousands of junior doctors are holding a strike, demanding a hike in their stipends and reserved Covid-19 beds for them and their family members for a Covid-19 emergency. On June 4, nearly 3,000 doctors resigned from their respective duties after the MP High Court directed the protesters to resume their duties and called the agitation "illegal." Following this, the state government also sent eviction notices on Saturday asking them to vacate their hostels.

In view of the protests that came amid the Covid-19 pandemic in the country which has already the healthcare system to its breaking point, the Madhya Pradesh government gave a raise of 17 per cent. However, the protesting doctors have rejected this and are sticking to their demand of a 24% hike.

NEW INDIAN EXPRESS, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

Resident doctors of AIIMS, Safdarjung hold candle march in solidarity with protesting MP doctors https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/jun/06/resident-doctors-of-aiims- safdarjung-hold-candle-march-in-solidarity-with-protesting-mp-doctors-2312595.html Resident doctors of the AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital here on Sunday held a candlelight march in support of the protesting doctors in Madhya Pradesh, who have been demanding a hike in stipends and beds for them and their families in case they contract COVID-19.

The doctors from the two hospitals marched to Sri Aurobindo Marg and shouted slogans demanding justice for their fraternity members in Madhya Pradesh.

Representatives of the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) also met National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairman Justice Arun K Mishra (retd) and appraised him about the concerns of the agitating doctors in Madhya Pradesh.

"We are enraged to learn about the atrocities and callousness of the government of Madhya Pradesh. The resident doctors are protesting for their rightful demands which were denied outrightly and the outraged administration is headed to spoil the careers of thousands of trainee doctors," a FORDA statement read.

"Our healthcare system is anyways in shambles and any further reduction in manpower will affect it adversely," it added.

An office-bearer of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Resident Doctors' Association said the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh should schedule an urgent meeting with the protesting doctors and solve the issue within next 24 hours, "failing which a nationwide protest will be held".

The Madhya Pradesh government had on May 6 said steps will be taken for the safety and security of doctors in hospitals, treatment to 'corona warriors' and their families will be provided on priority basis, and a stipend hike of about 6 per cent per year from 2018 along with Covid incentives will be provided to them, he said.

"It is really sad that all these demands fell on deaf ears of the Madhya Pradesh government, forcing the resident doctors to go on indefinite strike from May 31," the official said.

Nearly 3,000 doctors in Madhya Pradesh had resigned from their posts after the Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the striking junior doctors in the state to resume their duties within 24 hours, terming the protest "illegal".

The state government had on Saturday sent eviction notices to the doctors who had resigned, asking them to vacate their hostels. Times of India

ORISSA POST, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

Plea in NHRC for Rs 7K per month to all poor families https://www.orissapost.com/plea-in-nhrc-for-rs-7k-per-month-to-all-poor-families/ At a time when Covid-induced restrictions have resulted in cessation of livelihood sources, a city-based trade union leader and rights activist moved the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) seeking a direction to the Centre to provide Rs 7,000 per month to the nonincome tax payer families up to 6 months. The petitioner also urged the commission to direct the Union government to provide free ration of 10 kg per head per month up to 6 months to the needy families without any ration card. The activist cited a report of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) that recently highlighted about 10 crore working class people losing their jobs and livelihoods in India due to Covid-19 pandemic. He said that lockdowns and shutdowns imposed by state and Union governments since March 2020 has pushed many into abject poverty. “A study report by Ajim Premji University has revealed that around 23 crore people in India have become unemployed and jobless during the pandemic,” claimed the activist.

TRIBUNE, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

Alarming law & order scenario in post-poll Bengal: Governor https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/alarming-law-order-scenario-in-post-poll- bengal-governor-264620 Despite visits by a Home Ministry team and statutory bodies like the National Human Rights Commission and National Commission for Women and National Commission for Scheduled Castes, there is no let up in post-poll violence in West Bengal.

Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar, highlighting the issue, said he had summoned the Chief Secretary on Monday to learn about the steps being taken by the administration to contain this “retributive violence”.

The Governor posted two tweets on Sunday to express his concern about the subject. In one tweet, Dhankhar wrote, “Post-poll violence continues in unabated fury that will put humanity to shame.” He wrote that police inaction was emboldening the perpetrators of violence and added, “All this to punish and discipline opponents for daring to vote in democracy.”

In another tweet posted later in the morning, Dhankhar described the law and order situation in the state as “extremely alarming” with numerous instances of killings and rapes.

Dhankhar said West Bengal was in the grip of unprecedented post-poll retributive violence at an unimaginable scale with lakhs of people being displaced and property worth hundreds of crores vandalised.

On the state police, the Governor said they were “an extension of ruling dispensation to let loose vindictiveness on political opponents”.

Condemning alleged incidents of social boycott and denial of benefits to people who did not vote for the TMC, he said they were being made to pay extortion fees for living in their own house or running their own business.

“There is a state of anarchy and lawlessness. All elements of police state are amply reflected. Democratic values are openly shredded and trampled by ruling party ‘harmads’. People are in mortal fear of police and that in turn is at the feet of ruling party rogue elements,” the Governor wrote on his official Twitter handle.

Raju Bista, BJP MP from and party spokesperson, appealed to the President for “urgent intervention” to stop the violence going on in the state since the announcement of the Assembly poll results on May 2.

In a tweet, Bista posted videos of men with hands and legs tied up with bamboo poles being subjected to brutal beatings with a stick. On May 21, the BJP published a list TRIBUNE, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

containing names of 31 supporters, including two women, allegedly killed in post-poll violence in the state since May 2.

‘Dhankhar’s office is his extended family’

Addressing Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar as “Uncle ji”, TMC MP Mahua Moitra alleged that his family members and other acquaintances have been appointed as officers on special duty (OSDs) in Raj Bhawan. She said, “We all have the democratic right to ask him questions. He keeps asking questions to the state government. He has brought his entire village and clan to Raj Bhawan.” PTI

NEW INDIAN EXPRESS, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

Resident doctors of AIIMS, Safdarjung hold candle march in solidarity with protesting MP doctors https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/jun/06/resident-doctors-of-aiims- safdarjung-hold-candle-march-in-solidarity-with-protesting-mp-doctors-2312595.html Resident doctors of the AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital here on Sunday held a candlelight march in support of the protesting doctors in Madhya Pradesh, who have been demanding a hike in stipends and beds for them and their families in case they contract COVID-19.

The doctors from the two hospitals marched to Sri Aurobindo Marg and shouted slogans demanding justice for their fraternity members in Madhya Pradesh.

Representatives of the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) also met National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairman Justice Arun K Mishra (retd) and appraised him about the concerns of the agitating doctors in Madhya Pradesh.

"We are enraged to learn about the atrocities and callousness of the government of Madhya Pradesh. The resident doctors are protesting for their rightful demands which were denied outrightly and the outraged administration is headed to spoil the careers of thousands of trainee doctors," a FORDA statement read.

"Our healthcare system is anyways in shambles and any further reduction in manpower will affect it adversely," it added.

An office-bearer of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Resident Doctors' Association said the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh should schedule an urgent meeting with the protesting doctors and solve the issue within next 24 hours, "failing which a nationwide protest will be held".

The Madhya Pradesh government had on May 6 said steps will be taken for the safety and security of doctors in hospitals, treatment to 'corona warriors' and their families will be provided on priority basis, and a stipend hike of about 6 per cent per year from 2018 along with Covid incentives will be provided to them, he said.

"It is really sad that all these demands fell on deaf ears of the Madhya Pradesh government, forcing the resident doctors to go on indefinite strike from May 31," the official said.

Nearly 3,000 doctors in Madhya Pradesh had resigned from their posts after the Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the striking junior doctors in the state to resume their duties within 24 hours, terming the protest "illegal".

The state government had on Saturday sent eviction notices to the doctors who had resigned, asking them to vacate their hostels. Times of India Kerala: Doctors in 3 hospitals...should’ve suspected custodial torture TIMES OF INDIA, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

Kerala: Doctors in 3 hospitals...should’ve suspected custodial torture https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/kerala-doctors-in-3- hospitals-shouldve-suspected-custodial-torture/articleshow/83296329.cms The Justice K Narayana Kurup commission of inquiry, which probed the custodial torture of Rajkumar by Nedumkandam police and his subsequent death, has found serious lapses on the part of doctors at Nedumkandam and Peermade taluk hospitals and Kottayam medical college hospital. Rajkumar of Kolahalamedu, Idukki — who was taken into police custody on June12, 2019 — had died nine days later after he was brutally tortured in police custody. The commission report, tabled in the assembly, explains in detail the “callous and irresponsible” behaviour of these doctors, who failed in diagnosing Rajkumar's actual condition when he was taken to these hospitals. “They, the doctors in all the three hospitals, forgot for a moment that Rajkumar was brought by the police in a moribund condition, after making him a mincemeat, unable to walk, speak or move, and in such a scenario, they should have suspected custodial torture..,” it says. At Nedumkandam taluk hospital, where Rajkumar was brought after three days in custody, unable to walk or speak, casualty medical officer Vishnu Mohan — despite suspecting police assault — only advised him to be kept under observation. The next day, he was examined by another doctor, Padmadev P N, who without fully examining his body issued a medical certificate to police for producing him before the judicial magistrate, the report says. ‘Victim had gained 8kg in 6 days’ Though he was in the hospital for 18 hours, no one cared to examine him to ascertain his actual medical condition to bring out the “iceberg phenomenon”, wherein, a large percentage of the hidden problem is submerged from view and only the tip is seen from outside, it finds. The report said the victim had gained 8kg in six days due to the fluid overload, after suffering grave internal injuries from torture. At Peermade taluk hospital, where he was brought from Peerumedu sub-jail after his condition worsened, he was examined by doctors inside the ambulance, where once again they missed all injuries on his back, despite noticing the swellings on knees and ankles. The doctor who examined him stated before the commission that he did not suspect the patient of having any visible injury and did not get sufficient time to examine him thoroughly. Rajkumar was taken to Kottayam medical college hospital at the behest of doctors at Peermade taluk hospital. He was examined by orthopaedics senior resident Libin Thomas Manathara, urology senior resident Mohammed Anwar Aslam, surgery additional professor Sunil and radiology senior resident K Vivek, to whom Rajkumar mentioned about the police assault, as per the commission findings. The inquiry also found that the first post-mortem examination by doctors at Kottayam MCH -- led by associate professor and deputy police surgeon Jameskutty B K and medical officer, department of forensic medicine Subiraj Natarajan -- was casual, perfunctory, amateurish and without following the NHRC guidelines. It found that the post-mortem certificate “maintained a suspicious silence on major contusions suffered by Rajkumar”, which was brought out in the second autopsy by a team of forensic surgeons as instructed by the commission. The commission found that the first autopsy was only a half-truth, in which torture and complications of multiple blunt force injuries etc did not find a place. The autopsy report was unclear and ambiguous with the distinct possibility of people thinking that the deceased had died due to pneumonia and not torture, it said. TIMES OF INDIA, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

“But for the re-autopsy performed by a team of three forensic surgeons as ordered by the commission, the death of Rajkumar would have been a riddle wrapped in mystery," the commission said.

UNI, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

NHRC orders action against an Odisha cadre officer and others for violating covid guidelines http://www.uniindia.com/nhrc-orders-action-against-an-odisha-cadre-officer-and-others- for-violating-covid-guidelines/east/news/2414908.html The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Jagatsinghpur District Collector to take action against people including a state cadre officer for dancing in a marriage procession violating the Covid protocols. Acting on a petition filed by Rights Activist Radhakanta Tripathy, the rights body issued the direction on June3 last asking the authority to take appropriate action within eight weeks and inform the commission. As per the petition Mrs Bulbulu Behera, an Odisha Administrative officer, serving as Sukinda tehsildar on May 21 last has danced on the marriage procession of her brother at Jagannathpur village under Jagatsinghpur district violating the covid guidelines. The petitioner also alleged the people who participated in the procession did not wear masks and also did not maintain social distancing. Though as per the guideline issued by the government maximum 25 people can participate in the marriage function but more than 40 people participated in the marriage procession alone violating the norms, MrTripathy alleged. The petitioner requested the NHRC to seek replies from the State Authorities on why cases against all the participants of the Procession have not been registered and who has given the permission for the Procession . The petitioner further urged the NHRC to give direction for arrest of all those flouting the Covid guidelines and ensure fair trial of the case and take legal action against the local Magistrate (Incharge of Covid Protocol), Police and the Sarpanch who allowed the procession in violation of Covid guidelines.

TV9 BHARATVARSH, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

ओडशा: यूरोेट के भाई क शाद म कोरोना नयम क उड़ी धिजयां, NHRC ने DM को सत कारवाई करने के दए नदश https://www.tv9hindi.com/india/odisha-corona-rules-flouted-in-bureaucrats-brothers- wedding-nhrc-directs-dm-to-take-strict-action-685828.html राय मानवाधकार आयोग (एनएचआरसी) ने रववार को ओडशा के जगतसहं पुर िजले के िजला मिजेट और कलेटर (DM) को एक याचका पर कारवाई करने का नदश दया. िजसम आरोप लगाया गया था क राय क यूरोे ट ने अपने भाई क शाद के दौरान एक डांस के दौरान भाग लेकर कोवड-दशानदश का उलंघन कया है.

NHRC ने हाल ह म सुीम कोट के वकल और मानवाधकार कायकता राधाकांत पाठ वारा दायर एक याचका पर कारवाई करते हुए आदेश पारत कया था.एनएचआरसी ने अपने आदेश म कहा, “इस शकायत पर 8 हते के अंदर जद से जद कायवाह करने क जानी चाहए. दरअसल 21 मई को, ओडशा शासनक सेवा (OAS) अधकार, बुलबुल बेहरा, सु कं डा के तहसीलदार के प म सेवा कर रह थी.उस दौरान वह अपने भाई, परवार के सदय और अय तभागय के साथ जगतसहं पुर िजले के तरतोल लॉक के पास के जगनाथपुर गाँव म अपने भाई क बारात म शामल हुई थी.

केमरे म शूट कया गया पूरा वीडयो महला यूरोे ट के भाई क शाद के समारोह के दौरान एक यित वारा 21 मई क शाम को शाद का वीडयो शूट कया गया. वीडयो म मेहमान को बना माक पहने और सामािजक दरू बनाते हुए डांस करते देखा गया है. वहं याचका म कहा गया है सरपंच जैसी पंचायती राज संथाओं को ामीण े म महामार को फैलने से रोकने क िजमेदार द गई है. लेकन वतमान मामले म राय के अधकार, जो दशानदश के पालन के भार थे ने खुद कानून का उलंघन कया है. राधाकांत पाठ ने कहा, ”राय क महला अधकार को कोवड -19 दशानदश लागू करने को लेकर लोग पर सत नजर रखने को कहा गया था. लेकन ये अधकार खुद कोरोना नयम का पालन करने म वफल रहे.”

सभी तभागय के कोवड टेट का नदश कायकता राधाकांत पाठ ने एनएचआरसी से अनुरोध कया क शाद समारोह म शामल सभी तभागय क कोवड जांच क जाए.याचका म NHRC से COVID दशानदश का उलंघन करने वाले यितय को गरतार करने और मामले क नप सुनवाई सुनिचत करने और थानीय मिजेट (कोवड ोटोकॉल के भार), पुलस और सरपंच के खलाफ कानूनी कारवाई करने का भी आह कया, िजहने कोवड के उलंघन क अनुमत द थी. THE WIRE, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

For an Already Diminished NHRC, Justice Mishra's Appointment Spells Further Doom https://thewire.in/rights/for-an-already-ailing-nhrc-justice-mishras-appointment-spells- further-doom Justice Arun Mishra is set to occupy the post of chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of India. This clearance seems to have been granted by a five- member committee and the selection was opposed only by the Leader of Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge.

Justice Mishra’s tenure as a judge at the Supreme Court was riddled with controversies (see here, here and here). Much need not be said about his conservative ideology and its impact on his decision-making powers. This is the judge who cleared CJI of his sexual harassment charge.

His appointment is a severe blow to India’s only national human rights institution which has been accredited by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). Even though the NHRC is already an institute that is a mere skeleton of what it used to be, and has failed in living up to its duty of protecting and promoting human rights in India.

Justice Mishra’s appointment would not only confirm the Sub-Committee on Accreditation’s concerns regarding ex-Justices being appointed as the Chair of the NHRC, it could seriously harm India’s accreditation renewal. The appointment must serve as a reminder of what is wrong with the NHRC and why there is a need for its overhaul.

Accreditation process

The National Human Rights Commission of India has enjoyed the privilege of an “A” level accreditation by the Sub-Committee on Accreditation of the GANHRI since 1993, when the Paris Principles were adopted.

Why is this accreditation important?

First, the accreditation takes place by essentially scoring NHRIs on the basis of their compliance with these Principles. Secondly, only institutions that possess an SCA accreditation are allowed to represent their nations at the UN Human Rights Commission. This accreditation is up for renewal every five years even for institutions with an “A” rating.

In 2017, the deferment of India’s accreditation renewal came as a rude shock. This deferral was attributed to the November 2016 report of the SCA where it had highlighted certain areas of concern and recommended further consideration. This deferral was short lived as India regained its “A” status in 2017 itself, after the SCA had been assured that steps had been taken by NHRC to address the concerns. THE WIRE, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

While this turn of events was fortunate, the statement that the NHRC had failed to fulfil its role in accordance with the Paris Principles deserves to be critically evaluated.

The Appointment Procedure Independence from the government

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights maintains that the role of an NHRI be as wide as possible, with two major responsibilities: human rights promotion and human rights protection.

Also read: ‘Deliberate Blow to Constitution’: Activists Condemn Justice Arun Mishra’s Naming as NHRC Chief

All other responsibilities flow from these two broad roles. However, even more central to the functioning of an NHRI is its independence and autonomy from the government of the day. In light of this, it becomes relevant to note the appointment procedure.

This is usually undertaken by a committee of six, including the Prime Minister, Speaker of the House of the People, Home Minister, Leader of the Opposition in the House of the People, Leader of the Opposition in the Council of States and Deputy Chairman of the Council of the States (Section 4, Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993).

While balanced on the face of it, such a composition ensures that the ruling party of the day gets a greater say in the appointment procedure of a commission in case the Deputy Chairman belongs to the ruling party (not required by law).

There have also been concerns regarding this committee of appointment because the Opposition does not really bother much with the process, allowing the appointment of questionable members to the Commission easily. The Opposition has indeed been quite often accused claiming ignorance while failing to keep the appointments in check. The fact that only five people constituted the Committee clearing Justice Mishra’s name is evidence of how little importance is granted to these appointments.

Qualifications

This is by no means the first time that a controversial appointment has been made to the NHRC. The NDA in its previous stint had appointed P.C. Sharma to the Commission. Sharma had earlier been CBI chief during the Babri Masjid riots investigation. Not only had the then Chairman tried to dissuade such an appointment, Ravi Nair of the South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre had resigned in protest.

A plea was also filed before the Supreme Court by the People’s Union for Civil Liberties ((2005) 5 SCC 363 (Supreme Court)), wherein ultimately a textual interpretation THE WIRE, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

concluded that the appointment of a police officer did not go against the enabling statute.

BJP’s Rajya Sabha candidate Avinash Rai Khanna’s selection as member also sets the NHRC up for criticism as a BJP-controlled institution.

Retired Justices as chairmen

The 2016 SCA report had highlighted concerns over the appointment of retired CJIs as chairmen of the Commission.

The Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, therefore, sought to address this by allowing other Supreme Court judges to become eligible for the post. However, this move might not be the best idea.

Aside from the recent criticism of the judiciary, appointments of former Justices lend credibility to institutes they head, like the NGT. Merely increasing competition by making more judges eligible will not address problems. Instead, the importance of the appointment must be made clear. Perhaps it is time to devise a new model of appointment altogether, looking at a wider, more decentralised NHRC with more active members from the public.

Also read: By Issuing Guidelines to Protect the Rights of the Dead, Has NHRC Rediscovered Its Potential?

Pluralism

On the issue of the composition of the NHRC, the SCA had said that the mandatory presence of members of the judiciary, with the Chairperson being a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, restricts the pool of candidates.

However, the NHRC has somewhat tried to resolve this issue by recommending an increase in the number of members of which one would be a woman. It is quite surprising that even at this stage, the NHRC chooses to adopt a tokenistic approach in the appointment of women.

The appointment of Jyotika Kalra as one of the women members was also a move aimed at placating the SCA but has been marred by controversy. Apart from Kalra, the Commission has only had one woman member since 2004, Justice Sujata Manohar.

The present tally is five members, with one post still vacant.

Apart from the ex officio members, it is virtually impossible for marginalised communities to find themselves represented at the NHRC. The Protection of Human THE WIRE, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

Rights (Amendment) Act does not talk about representation from any religious minority, the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes or the LGBTQIA community.

Is the NHRC really toothless?

Not only members of the civil society, even the Supreme Court has pointed out how the NHRC is a “toothless tiger” – a body with limited powers apart from its recommendatory nature. Disregard of these recommendations by any state government is commonplace. While it is true that the body has limited powers, it certainly possesses the right to expose state governments and it is this failure to exercise powers that it does possess which is regrettable.

Inquiry into complaints

A cursory glance at pending cases relating to human rights in India would reveal that most such arrests have been closed after a superficial inquiry.

It must be noted that an extensive number of cases have been filed against human rights violations ranging from the arrest of journalist Siddiqui Kappan in the Hathras rape-murder case, to Sharjeel Imam from the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests, to Professor Hany Babu, one of the Elgar Parishad case accused, all categorised as cases relating to Human Rights Departments.

Also read: ‘An Innocent Hany Babu Has Spent Nine Months in Jail’: An Appeal From His Family

While these cases were since closed and removed from the Human Rights Commission Network website, what was interesting to note was that these complaints were closed citing judicial proceedings that are simultaneously underway.

The NHRC is known to cite Regulation 9(xi) of the NHRC (Procedure) Regulations 1997 to reject applications at the outset itself, wherever parallel proceedings are taking place.

This provision is often used even in cases where violation of the rights of undertrials is alleged against authorities, despite the fact that the issue falls clearly under the NHRC’s role as protector of human rights. A similar allegation of mass disposal of cases at the start itself had been raised in Kashmir too, with 99 cases against security agencies being dismissed without orders.

Accountability and transparency

There has been much criticism of the way the NHRC dealt with human rights violations in Chhattisgarh too, with closed door hearings.

THE WIRE, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

This, despite the fact that the Commission has been given the status of a civil court, with all powers associated with the title (Section 13(4), PHRA). In a system where the police are no longer trusted with the handling of evidence, the NHRC ought to have asserted its presence by at least questioning the investigative practices and by intervening in the court proceedings running in parallel.

Sadly, the NHRC has been observed to be extremely lethargic in its handling of such sensitive issues, with tokenistic inquiries seldom leading to any conclusive action apart from the grant of compensation. This compensation is also not mandated by statutory right, contrary to India’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights towards compensating wrongful arrests.

Also read: ‘Probe All Custodial Deaths, Not Just Suspicious Cases’: NHRC Revokes Its 2010 Order

Performance Of Functions Suo motu cognisance

Perhaps the most powerful quasi-judicial function of the NHRC is its ability to take suo motu cognisance of violation of human rights (Section 12, PHRA). However, there have been various instances wherein the NHRC failed to exercise this. This is no longer just an observation of outsiders, but Kalra also had a similar complaint against the institution and even resigned from her post before joining back, attracting controversy.

She had highlighted the issue in her resignation letter, available in media reports:

“Despite the fact that the PHR [Protection of Human Rights] Act gives power to the members to take suo moto cognisance of any human right[s] violation of their own, by an office order, members of the Commission have been divested of their powers, members can’t take cognisance of any human right[s] violations of their own. In furtherance of the same, new Regulations have been proposed, whereby the power of member, to take suo moto cognisance would no more be there.”

Review of Bills

The Commission was also initially appreciated for its review of certain Bills, presenting its own critical analysis from a human rights perspective. Some of these include the Terrorists and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, 1985 (TADA); the Prevention of Terrorism Bill, 2000; the Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance, 2001 (POTO); the Freedom of Information Act; the Domestic Violence Bill; the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929; the National Rural Employment Guarantee Bill, 2004 and the Food Safety & Standards Bill, 2005.

However, in recent times, this function has been extremely selectively performed. Despite widespread protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in late 2019, the Commission failed to investigate these fears of human rights violations. Other THE WIRE, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

legislations that have not been reviewed but were equally controversial are the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and the National Investigation Agency Act (NIA).

It was only after Amnesty International had been forced to wind up following the FCRA Amendments that the NHRC woke up to take suo motu cognisance of the issue by serving a notice to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Also read: Amnesty International India Shuts Down, Blames Government’s ‘Reprisal’

The falling state of affairs is perhaps best visible on the website of the NHRC itself. Under the Significant Interventions/ Landmark Judgments section, the NHRC itself boasts only of two – its report on the Gujarat riots in 2002 and its role in the Batla House proceedings.

An institution that was hailed in the early 2000s for proactively protecting human rights has, of late, been in a deep sleep.

Which is not to say that the NHRC did look into the migrant labour crisis as well as the pandemic and the resultant human rights violations – as it should have.

But at present it appears to only push itself to perform the bare basics of its functions.

It has been argued that the leadership certain chairpersons before is what lent the NHRC its credibility in the past. If that is so, then there is an even greater need to rethink the structure of the NHRC. A body with such an important mandate cannot be left to the individual benevolence of its chairperson, no matter who it is.

AMAR UJALA, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

सामूहक इतीफा : एस और सफदरजंग के डॉटर ने मयदेश के डॉटर के समथन म नकाला माच https://www.amarujala.com/delhi/delhi-news-slogans-raised-in-support-of-doctors-of- madhya-pradesh-doctors-take-out-candle-march राजधानी के एस, सफदरजगं समेत कई अपताल के रेिजडट डॉटर ने रववार शाम को अपने परसर म क डल माच नकाला। उहने मयदेश के अपताल म हड़ताल कर रहे रेिजडट डॉटर के समथन म नारे लगाए। मयदेश म डॉटर कोरोना पीड़त परजन के लए अलग वाय सुवधाएं देने को लेकर दशन कर रहे ह।

एस क रेिजडट डॉटर एसोसएशन (आडीए) ने कहा क मयदेश सरकार वहां के जू नयर डॉटर के साथ बदसलूक कर रह है। कई डॉटर को छाावास खाल करने के लए कहा जा रहा है। ऐसे म हम अपने साथय के समथन म क डल माच नकाल रहे ह। सफदरजंग अपताल क रेिजडट डॉटर एसोसएशन के अय मनीष ने कहा क मयदेश सरकार का रवैया ठक नहं है। अगर डॉटर को परेशान कया गया तो वे दल म बड़े दशन के लए मजबूर हगे।

मय देश के डॉटर मानदेय बढ़ाने और अगर वह या उनके परवार के लोग संमत होते ह तो ऐसी िथत म उह अपताल म बतर मुहैया कराये जाने क मांग कर रहे ह। दोन अपताल के डॉटर ने ी अरबदं ो माग तक माच कया और मय देश के अपने बरादर के सदय के लए याय क माँग क।

फेडरेशन ऑफ रेजीडट डॉटस एसोसएशन के तनधय ने राय मानवाधकार आयोग (एनएचआरसी) के अय यायमूत अण के मा (सेवानवृ ) से भी मुलाकात क और उह मय देश म दशन कर रहे डॉटर क मांग से अवगत कराया।

एस के रेिजडट डॉटस एसोसएशन के एक पदाधकार ने कहा क मय देश के मुयमंी को वरोध करने वाले डॉटर के साथ एक तकाल बैठक करनी चाहए और अगले 24 घंट के भीतर इस मुदे को हल करना चाहए, ऐसा नहं होने पर देशयापी वरोध दशन आयोिजत कया जाएगा।

मय देश उच यायालय वारा डॉटर के दशन को ‘ग़ैर क़ानूनी’ बताये जाने और डॉटर को यूट पर वापस जाने का नदश देने के बाद राय के करब 3,000 डॉटर ने अपने पद से AMAR UJALA, Online, 7.6.2021 Page No. 0, Size:(0)cms X (0)cms.

इतीफा दे दया था। राय सरकार ने शनवार को इन डॉटर को छाावास खाल करने के नदश दए ह।

मयदेश म जूनयर डॉटर का दशन जार मयदेश म 3,000 जू नयर डॉटर का दशन 7व दन भी जार रहा। यह दशन समात करने के लए रववार को दशनकार डॉटर का तनधमंडल और राय के चकसा शामंी ववास सारंग के बीच बैठक हुई। सारंग ने कहा क मुलाकात के दौरान उहने डॉटर से अपने काम पर लौटने को कहा, यक मयदेश हाईकोट भी उनके वरोध दशन को गैरकानूनी बता चुका है।