9, Hajarimal Somani Marg, Opp. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Station, Mumbai – 400 001.
Tel. 22076408 Fax : 22091804 Web site : mshrc.maharashtra.gov.in
Human Rights Day 10th December, 2010
In the service of Citizens : Established in 2000, the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission is at present functioning under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Justice Kshitij R Vyas and Hon’ble Members viz Justice V. G. Munshi, Shri T. Singaravel and Shri Subhash Lalla.
The Commission’s role in promoting and protecting Human Rights is contained in the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
Promoting Human Rights :
* Many Conferences, Seminars held in collaboration with NHRC, Universities etc. regarding awareness of human rights. Recently a Conference on ‘Human Rights Education’ was held in August, 2010 and MSHRC has sent recommendations for human rights education for College as well as Primary & Secondary School Education Levels, which are being examined by authorities concerned.
Protecting Human Rights :
* The Commission has received over 43,000 complaints since its inception and has disposed of about 40,000 complaints up to August, 2010.
* The Commission has made recommendations in over 1900 cases to appropriate authorities.
* Wherever necessary Independent Inquiry is conducted in the field by the Investigation Wing of the Commission.
Complaints which ARE Admissible
* Are by persons whose human rights is violated.
* Can be of any person on behalf of the person whose human rights are violated.
* However such complaints have to be only against any Public Servant, Government Servant of the State of
– violated someone’s human rights
– abetted violation of human rights
– neglected to prevent violation of human rights
What to Mention in Complaint
* Address to Chairperson/ Secretary, MSHRC
* Name and Address of the Complainant/ Victim and perpetrator
* Location of event
* Date and Time of occurrence
* Description of Human Rights Violated
* Complaint against whom
* Is case pending in Courts, Tribunals.
Complaints NOT Admissible
* Vague, anonymous, frivolous, trivial, illegible.
* Event occurred more than one year earlier
* Civil Disputes, Service Matters, Family Matters, Labour Disputes
* Pending in Courts, Commissions, Tribunals.
* Complaints addressed to other with copy to MSHRC.
* Alleged violation of human rights by Government servants of Government of India.
* Allegations that are not against any Public Servant/ Government Servants
* Do not make any specific violations of Human Rights.
* No Fees Required
* No need to engage Lawyer
* Complainant can personally place his/her complaint
‘The State is bound to Protect your Human Rights’
Protect your Human Rights! Defend Human Rights of others!
Source: Indian Express, Page No. 13, Dated: December 10, 2010