2. 3 Special interventions through inquiries
In addition, under Section 14 of the Act, the Commission may undertake on its own motion (suo
motu) investigations and inquire in to any matter which in the opinion of the Commission reveals
a prima facie infringement or imminent infringement of fundamental rights. The Commission
generally does so on matters that have a serious impact on the public interest.
(Please refer to annex 2E: Complaint No. HRC/3824/15 & 3827/15 for an illustration of the
competencies vested on the commission by Article 14)
The HRCSL cannot inquire into matters where the same subject matter is pending before any
court of law.
2. 4 Hotline service
A 24 hours hotline service is in existence and Investigation Officers who handle the hotline take
immediate action regarding complaints of torture, arbitrary arrests and detention by contacting
relevant authorities.
2. 5 Visiting and monitoring mechanism
The Commission undertakes visits to Police Stations, Prisons, Detention Centers and any other
place in which any person is detained by a judicial order or otherwise and makes such
examinations therein or makes such inquiries from any person found therein, as may be
necessary to monitor their welfare and conditions of detention with the aim of ensuring the rights
of detainees are protected. The Commission conducts investigations into allegations of torture
and illegal treatment made by detainees.
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