NHRC recommendations on human rights violations by armed forces not binding: Centre tells SC

New Delhi, Sept 7: The union government on Wednesday opposed tooth and nail a plea by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) which said its recommendations of human rights violations by the armed forces must be binding on the Centre.

The Centre made it clear to the Supreme Court that the recommendations by the NHRC of human rights violations cannot be binding.

The NHRC told the Supreme Court that its recommendations on human rights violations by armed forces must be binding on the Centre. The NHRC also said that if the findings are treated as recommendations then the Centre will never act against the erring armed forces personnel.

The Centre, however, opposed it by stating that the law mandates that NHRC findings on human rights violations by armed forces would only be recommendatory. It can be looked into by the NHRC followed by a report to the union government.

The Centre is answerable to the Parliament and court on this issue. But NHRC report on the armed forces cannot be made binding, the Attorney General of India also told the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court had on an earlier date said it would consider the grievance of then NHRC that it had become a toothless tiger.

The court also noted NHRC's submission that "it was helpless in taking any coercive measures since it has no power to take action against people or authorities who do not follow the guidelines laid down by it (NHRC) nor does it have power to give directions or pass orders but can only make recommendations.

OneIndia News