PREFACE tribute to the strength and resilience of the Indian polity that the Commission has never lacked the democratic space in which to function, and to express its views as it thought fit and appropriate. In its report for the preceding year, the Commission had indicated that it had drawn inspiration in its work for human rights from Mahatma Gandhi's extraordinary observation: 'It has always been a mystery to me how men can feel themselves honoured by the humiliation of their fellow beings.' Given the climate and events of the current year, the Commission has had reason to keep in mind another of Gandhiji's thoughts: 'Peace will not come out of a clash of arms, but out of justice lived and done.' It is with these comments that the Commission places its annual report for the year 2001-2002 before those who are interested in the promotion and protection of human rights in this country. Sd. (J. S. Verma) Chairperson Sd. Sd. Sd. (K. Ramaswamy) (SujataV Manohar) (Virendra Dayal) MemberMember Member New Delhi 3 July 2002 ANNUAL REPORT 2001-2002