NHRC hears 41 cases in Puducherry, recommends Rs. 9.5 lakh as relief

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) during its three-day sitting campaign that concluded yesterday heard 41 cases of human rights violations concerning the Union Territory Puducherry and recommended Rs. Rs.9.5 lakh as relief.

The NHRC during the meeting, which was presided over by member Justice D. Murugesan, recommended Rs. three lakh as interim relief to the next of kin of deceased Devu Sattibahu, who died in police custody and directed the Chief Secretary of Puducherry to submit a compliance report within six weeks.

In a case of suicide of a woman prisoner, Ambiga, in the Central Prison, the NHRC issued notice to Chief Secretary, Puducherry to show cause why an interim relief of Rs. one lakh may not be recommended to be paid to the next of kin of the deceased on account of negligence of the prison personnel.

In a case involving child sex slavery in Puducherry, the Commission noted that 18 persons, including nine police officials, who had been dismissed from the service, were being chargesheeted. The NHRC directed the UT Administration to pay Rs. one lakh each to four minor girl victims of sexual exploitation within eight weeks.

In a case of molestation of a girl student by her teacher in a government school, the NHRC recommended Rs. 50,000 to be paid as interim relief to the victim within six weeks. In a similar case, two other students were recommended to be paid Rs. 50,000 each within six weeks.

In a case involving atrocities on Scheduled Caste persons, where chargesheet had already been filed in the court, the NHRC directed the UT Administration to pay compensation to the victims under the provisions of SC/ST (PoA) Act. In 15 cases, further reports were called from the authorities. The Commission closed nine cases on receipt of compliance and other requisite reports.

In a case involving labourers from Puducherry, working as bonded labourers in Tamil Nadu, the NHRC asked the District Magistrate, Puducherry, to coordinate with the concerned District Magistrates of Tamil Nadu in securing their release certificates and ensuring their expeditious rehabilitation in accordance with the provisions of law.

Apart from hearing the cases, Justice Murugesan, accompanied by a team of NHRC officers, including the Joint Registrar (Law), Mr. A.K. Parashar and Assistant Registrar (Law), Mr. O.P.