Complaints before the Commission Government to place the case of the complainant's husband before the Review Committee for careful scrutiny and consideration, as there were strong reasons for considering the release of the husband of the complainant on bail. After considering the communication received from Shri A.M. Batcha and, in particular, the letter that it enclosed fromJustice V.R. Krishna Iyer, the Commission, in its proceedings of 6 March 1998, recalled its various efforts in respect ofpetitions received in regard to Veerappan, and concluded that the Governments concerned must have regard for the safety of innocent persons affected by the situation and that it must ensure that their lives are not endangered or their dignity and worth as human beings violated or jeopardized. The Commission has consistently taken the position, that in enforcing the law, the apparatus of State must, itself, act in ways that are fully in conformity with the law. It has therefore, pronounced itself repeatedly and clearly on acts such as 'fake encounters', which are contrary to the law and therefore, in its view, unacceptable. It has also, in this connection, laid down specific procedures that should be followed, to enquire into and bring to book those who are involved in such acts. Its proceedings and directives, in this connection, are a matter of public record and have been transmitted to all State Governments for their observance. They would be applicable to the present case, as to any other. Likewise, the Commission has consistently taken the view that when acts of public servants, including those of the security forces, have resulted in the violation of human rights of innocent citizens of the country, and not least ofits most vulnerable sections, these acts must be scrupulously enquired into; further, when the results of enquiry so require, it must be ensured that appropriate compensation or other remedies are provided. ii. However, on 12 September 1998, Shri A.M. Batcha again complained that the State Governments concerned had not taken any action on the aforesaid directions of the Commission. iii. The Commission, accordingly, directed the complainant to provide specific particulars in respect of the affected tribal population, in order to enable it to take up the matter with the authorities. Pursuant to this direction, on 30 November 1998, the Tamil Nadu Tribal Peoples' Association on submitted a number of affidavits from men and women who stated that they had been adversely affected. The Commission, thereafter, in its proceedings of 21 January 1999, directed its DG(I) to discuss the matter further with the complainant. iv. Following discussions with Shri Batcha, the DG(I) submitted a report to the Commission dated 16 February 1999. It drew attention to various grievances and sufferings of the people of the area, and also to the fact that innocent people were missing from the camps. The report referred to the detention of 49 persons, including 12 women, without any trial having taken place for over S'/s years. The 101

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