NHRC Begins Two-Day Public Hearing in Hyderabad to Address Human Rights Violations in Telangana
(Judicial Quest News Network)
Hyderabad, July 28 – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) today inaugurated a two-day open hearing and camp sitting at the Dr. MCR Human Resource Development Institute in Hyderabad, aiming to address human rights complaints and violations in the state of Telangana. The special session is designed to accelerate grievance redressal and ensure accountability among public authorities.
Two Division Benches led the hearings. Division Bench–I was chaired by NHRC Chairperson Hon’ble Justice V. Ramasubramanian, alongside Member Mr. Priyank Kanoongo. Division Bench–II was headed by Hon’ble Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, with Member Smt. Vijaya Bharathi Sayani.
In addition, a Full Bench was constituted to examine cases of significant public concern, primarily involving Suo motu cognisance taken by the Commission. These cases addressed critical issues such as caste-based discrimination, social ostracism, custodial torture, police brutality, and violations of the right to life, dignity, liberty, and livelihood.
The hearings were conducted in a transparent, time-bound, and empathetic manner. In cases where human rights violations were established, the Commission issued specific directives to the concerned authorities and recommended monetary compensation for victims where appropriate.
Senior state officials attended the proceedings to assist in immediate and coordinated responses. Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao formally welcomed the NHRC Chairperson and members. Also present were Mr.Ravi Gupta (Special Chief Secretary, Home), Mr.Mahesh Bhagwat (Additional Director General of Police), Mr.Vikram Singh Mann (Additional Commissioner of Police), Ch. Priyanka (Special Commissioner, I&PR), along with District Collectors, Superintendents of Police, and officers from other key departments.
On the second day of the camp, NHRC members will hold meetings with top state government officers and engage with NGOs and civil society representatives to further discuss systemic human rights concerns.
Constituted under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the NHRC has civil court powers to summon records, examine witnesses, recommend departmental action, and provide relief to victims. Through open hearings like this, the Commission reaffirms its mission to uphold constitutional rights and bring justice closer to the people.
