Standing up for human rights

IN THE context of the write up ‘Human rights and wrongs’ (September 11) by Randeep and Amar Nath Wadhera, human rights have been described as those minimal rights that every individual must have by virtue of his/her being a human being, irrespective of any other considerations. They are based on mankind’s demand for a life in which the inherent dignity of a human being will be respected and protected.

In the midst of controversies and clash of Western and Asian perceptions regarding human rights there is an acknowledgement of the fact that there are some fundamental human rights whose violations will be condemned unequivocally by all major cultures of the world. Torture, rape, racism, anti-semitism are not tolerated by any faith or culture that respects humanity. Nor can they be justified by demands of economic development and political expediency.

In India, despite stringent laws and court rulings torture and degrading treatment of citizens continue to flourish. The apex court had to step in a number of times to lay down ground rules for avoiding the humiliating treatment of individuals. The directives of the Supreme Court should have been sufficient to put an end to all abuses of which the enforcement and investigating agencies are often alleged to be guilty. Despite the setting up of a National Human Rights Commission, the position has not improved. It is not that the problem is insurmountable. It can be solved by doing a little more than what has been done so far. Apart from changing the old attitude supporting the use of rough and ready methods, a few instances of surprise monitoring of the implementation of the judgements of the Supreme Court and high courts will do much more for ensuring the protection of human rights than anything else.

K.M. VASHISHT
Mansa

II

It is sad that our courts are clogged with law suits pleading redressal of wrongs perpetrated on employees both in the public as well as private sectors.

Recently, in a welcome judgement, the Orissa High Court ruled that interest would be paid for any delay in the payment of pensions.

S.K. SHARMA
Lucknow

III

The authors have taken the media to task for its failure to highlight human rights violations. While human-interest stories do crop up in some publications, yet these somehow fail to ensure that an issue reaches its logical conclusion and the victims get justice. The media’s role to help the individuals whose rights are infringed upon to get justice is crucial. It is disheartening to read the observations of the authors: "The plight of the under-privileged can hardly be imagined, let alone understood by the upper-class-oriented media". The media should undertake more extensive and analytical investigations into human rights violations to ensure that the vulnerable sections of society get speedy justice.

ONKAR CHOPRA
Ludhiana

Legacy of the Raj

This refers to Melvyn Lobo’s write-up ‘Raj legacy in Indian cuisine’ (September 11). While the English breakfast remains popular among the upper classes, people belonging to lower and middle class families consume the traditional cuisine. In Punjab, for example, parantha with curd is a popular breakfast.

NIRMAL SINGH
Patiala