NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS
COMMISSION, INDIA
x.
It has been suggested the period of cognizance under section 6(1) should be any time
within custody period and extending up to six months from the date of discharge and
release, including parole and furlough. Also, the provision of cognizance in the bill can be
aligned to that of the CrPC’s mandate.
xi.
Under S9(5) it has been suggested that the State shall ensure proper medical examination
of every person remanded to custody in jail and at the time of release, and the report
of such medical examination shall be transmitted to the concerned trial court.
xii.
Under S10 (2), denial of anticipatory bail to Public Servant is not reasonable and is
tantamount to denial of his/her basic human rights.
xiii. Article 3 of UNCAT relating to extradition of persons needs to be added to the Bill.
Article 3:
a.
No State Party shall expel, return (“refouler”) or extradite a person to another State
where there are substantial grounds for believing that he would be in danger of being
subjected to torture.
b.
For the purpose of determining whether there are such grounds, the competent
authorities shall take into account all relevant considerations including, where
applicable, the existence in the State concerned of a consistent pattern of gross, flagrant
or mass violations of human rights.
Xiii. As regards the issue of providing civilian oversight to prevent torture in custody, Jail
Visitors Board in prison/ Jail provide for such mechanism and the same should be
effectively implemented.
Xiv. SOP for independent tool of investigation must be duly adopted and incorporated in
day to day functioning of the police and prison authorities.
xiv.
D.
In cases of complaints against torture, investigation should be done by an officer of a
rank higher than that of the accused.
CONDITIONS IN PRISONS
Visits to Jails
4.16 Under the provision of Section 12(c) of PHR Act 1993, of Commission in order to study the
living conditions of the inmates, the Commission can visit any jail or other institution under the
control of the state govt. where persons are detained or lodged for the purpose of treatment,
reformation or protection. Accordingly, Special Rapporteurs appointed by the Commission
undertake visit to various jails in the country and facilitate the Commission in discharging
its sensitive and demanding responsibilities by making suggestion/recommendations after
observing the conditions prevailing.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19