State cannot abdicate its responsibility of protecting human rights

Hyderabad, Sep 16 (UNI) Lamenting that victims of the Godhra carnage and the riots that followed were still running from 'pillar to post for justice,' Mr Justice J S Verma, former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) today opined that it was the responsibility of the state to ensure that human rights were not violated.

It was the responsibility of the judiciary to see that the state discharged its duty of protecting right to life, liberty, equality and human dignity, he said while speaking on 'Protection of Human Rights-State's Responsibility.' The former Chief Justice of India, who had visited Gujarat in March 2002, opined that the riots reflected inaction and abdication of responsibility by the state government.

Mr Justice Verma, who delivered the Andhra Pradesh High Court Golden Jubilee Commeration lecture, expressed satisfaction over the role he had played as the NHRC Chairman in ensuring justice for the riot victims.

Referring to the role of Judiciary in protection of human rights and ensuring peace and security, he said ''we have done a lot. We have a lot more to do.'' Stating that the Judiciary and the NHRC played a complementary role, he said unlike the Judiciary, the NHRC had powers to monitor the implementation of its recommendations.

Referring to the limitation of one year for a victim to appeal to the NHRC, he said a broader view had to be taken. ''The victim is free to seek relief even after lapse of one year of human rights violation'', he added.

Justifying the NHRC coming out with its own guidelines, he said they were compiled on the basis of the constitution and judgements delivered by the Supreme Court from time to time.

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