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7 भारत में मावनवाधिकारों के प्रवर्तन एवं न्यायालयों की भूमिका पर एक टिप्पणी लिखिये? (उच्च न्यायालय की भूमिका सहिंत )

Write a note on Enforcement of human rights, and role of courts in India. Discuss the Role of Supreme Court of India in protection of Human Rights. 

Enforcement of Human Rights and Role of Courts in India

Human rights are fundamental to human dignity and liberty, and their enforcement is crucial to the functioning of a democratic society. In India, the enforcement of human rights is guaranteed under the Constitution and facilitated through judicial mechanisms, statutory bodies, and legal provisions. Courts in India play a pivotal role in safeguarding and promoting these rights.


1. Constitutional Framework for Human Rights Enforcement

  • Fundamental Rights (Part III of the Constitution):
    Fundamental rights like the Right to Equality (Article 14), Freedom of Speech and Expression (Article 19), Right to Life and Personal Liberty (Article 21), and protection against discrimination (Article 15) form the backbone of human rights in India.

  • Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV):
    Although not enforceable by courts, these principles guide the state in formulating laws that promote human rights, such as health, education, and social welfare.

  • Fundamental Duties (Part IVA):
    Citizens are also expected to respect the ideals that uphold human rights, like promoting harmony and safeguarding the dignity of women.


2. Legal Provisions for Human Rights Enforcement

  • Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993:
    This Act establishes the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and State Human Rights Commissions to investigate violations and recommend actions.

  • Public Interest Litigation (PIL):
    The concept of PIL allows individuals or groups to approach the court for the enforcement of human rights, even if they are not directly affected.

  • Statutory Provisions:
    Various statutes like the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and the Right to Information Act, 2005 provide frameworks for protecting specific human rights.


3. Role of Courts in the Enforcement of Human Rights

A. Supreme Court of India

The Supreme Court is the guardian of the Constitution and plays a significant role in the enforcement of human rights through its powers under:

  1. Article 32:

    • Allows individuals to directly approach the Supreme Court for the enforcement of fundamental rights.
    • The Court can issue writs like habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, and certiorari to enforce these rights.
  2. Judicial Activism and PILs:

    • The Supreme Court has expanded the scope of fundamental rights through judicial activism.
    • Landmark cases like Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978) interpreted the Right to Life (Article 21) to include the right to live with dignity.
  3. Development of Expansive Rights:

    • The Court has developed new rights such as the Right to Privacy (Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India, 2017) and Right to a Clean Environment (MC Mehta v. Union of India, 1987).

B. High Courts

  • Article 226:
    High Courts have the power to issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights and other legal rights.
    • High Courts play a crucial role in addressing human rights violations at the state level.
    • They often address issues like custodial violence, denial of basic rights, and access to justice.

4. Key Landmark Judgments on Human Rights by Indian Courts

  1. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978):

    • Expanded the scope of Article 21 (Right to Life) to include the right to live with dignity and personal liberty.
    • Laid the foundation for interpreting human rights broadly.
  2. Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997):

    • Established guidelines for the prevention of sexual harassment at the workplace, enforcing the right to equality and dignity under Articles 14, 15, and 21.
  3. Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar (1979):

    • Recognized the right to free legal aid and speedy trial as essential to the Right to Life under Article 21.
  4. MC Mehta v. Union of India (1987):

    • Highlighted the Right to a Healthy Environment as part of the Right to Life.
  5. Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018):

    • Decriminalized Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, recognizing the rights of the LGBTQ+ community under Articles 14, 15, and 21.

5. Challenges in Human Rights Enforcement

  • Delays in the Judicial System:
    Long pendency of cases often hampers timely enforcement of human rights.
  • Lack of Awareness:
    Many citizens, especially marginalized groups, are unaware of their rights or the mechanisms for enforcement.
  • State Violations:
    Cases of custodial violence, illegal detention, and abuse of power by authorities often go unpunished.
  • Access to Justice:
    High legal costs and lack of access to courts in rural areas create barriers for the poor and vulnerable.

6. Recommendations for Strengthening Enforcement

  1. Speedy Justice:
    Fast-track courts for human rights cases.
  2. Awareness Campaigns:
    Educating citizens about their rights and the mechanisms available for enforcement.
  3. Strengthening Institutions:
    Empowering NHRC and SHRC with more autonomy and resources.
  4. Judicial Reforms:
    Reducing delays in the judicial process to ensure timely redressal.
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The role of the Supreme Court of India in protecting Human Rights:

The Supreme Court of India plays a proactive and dynamic role in safeguarding and expanding the scope of human rights, thereby strengthening democracy and justice in the country.

  1. Guardian of the Constitution:

    • The Supreme Court ensures the enforcement of Fundamental Rights enshrined in Part III of the Constitution.
  2. Judicial Review:

    • Acts as the final interpreter of laws and can strike down laws violating human rights through judicial review.
  3. Public Interest Litigation (PIL):

    • Introduced the concept of PIL to allow individuals or groups to approach the Court for the protection of collective human rights, even if they are not directly affected.
  4. Writ Jurisdiction (Article 32):

    • Empowers individuals to directly approach the Supreme Court to issue writs (e.g., habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, certiorari) for protecting human rights.
  5. Expansion of Fundamental Rights:

    • Expanded the interpretation of rights under Articles 14, 19, and 21 to include rights such as the right to privacy, environment, health, education, livelihood, etc.
  6. Protection of Vulnerable Groups:

    • Focused on safeguarding the rights of marginalized groups like women, children, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and the LGBTQ+ community.
  7. Landmark Judgments:

    • Key judgments like Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (right to life and personal liberty), Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (sexual harassment at the workplace), and Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (decriminalization of homosexuality).
  8. Custodial Justice:

    • Ensures the protection of individuals from custodial violence and torture, emphasizing humane treatment.
  9. Protection from Arbitrary Actions:

    • Acts as a check on executive overreach or misuse of power against individuals.
  10. Monitoring Institutions:

    • Provides directives to strengthen institutions like the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and ensures accountability.
  11. Right to Information:

    • Recognized the Right to Information as a part of Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech and expression), promoting transparency and accountability.
  12. Upholding Secularism and Equality:

    • Ensures religious freedom and safeguards against discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, or gender.

Summary :

The enforcement of human rights in India is a critical aspect of maintaining the rule of law and protecting individual dignity. The judiciary, through its proactive role, has significantly contributed to expanding the scope of human rights and ensuring their protection. However, challenges like delays, lack of awareness, and systemic issues must be addressed to make human rights enforcement more effective and accessible for all citizens.

Textbook References : 

  1. Textbook on Human Rights Law and Practice by Rashee Jain
  2. International Law & Human Rights by Dr. H.O. Agarwal
  3. Human Rights by Michael Freeman
  4. International Human Rights Law by David Harris
  5. A philosophical Introduction to Human Rights by Thomas Mertens
  6. Human Rights Law by Howard Davis 
  7. Human Rights A Very Short Introduction by Andrew Clapham 

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