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People’s Watch should have verified facts, says SHRC

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has taken exception to the statements made about police excesses by the representatives of the NGO, People’s Watch, at a press conference addressed by them here on Thursday.

In a statement issued here on Friday after a special meeting of the SHRC, which perused newspaper reports about the press conference, the Secretary to the Commission pointed out that it had taken appropriate action and passed orders in all cases of police torture brought to its attention.

The Commission sought the details of the 30 cases mentioned in the reports in order to cross check whether they were reported to it or came before it in any manner. It contended that in every case that came up before the Commission, especially where police torture was complained, inquiry was conducted as contemplated under the Act. The recommendations were made only after that. The Commission felt that it was not healthy to publish such “one sided reports” without even verifying the factual position with it.

The Commission questioned the complaint that the victims were made to travel from different parts of the State to its headquarters in the capital. It contended that inquiries were conducted in district headquarters after notice to the parties. It pointed out that S. Balaraman, who was a former member of the Commission, was very well aware of the procedures and facts.

The Commission maintained that the statements were made by the People’s Watch without verifying the true facts from it. It added that the entire report and proceedings were prepared and conducted behind the back of the Commission without verifying the facts. They were also vague and sweeping.

The meeting was chaired by chairperson of the Commission Justice N.Dhinakar and attended by members Justices V.P.Mohan Kumar and A. Lekshmikutty.

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