State Human Rights Commission holds sitting in Shivamogga, addresses officers

T. Sham Bhatt, acting chairman of the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission, suggested that government officials should treat the public in a cordial manner when they approach government offices regarding any complaint and the friendly nature of the officials alone will solve 50% of the problem faced by the public.

Mr Sham Bhatt and judicial member of the commission SK Vontigodi held a meeting with senior officials in Shivamogga district after hearing the cases registered with the commission on Wednesday. The President said that he and the member of the judiciary went to the districts to hear cases and finalize them. “Earlier, cases were heard only in Bengaluru. Petitioners had to travel. We decided to hold hearings in districts and dispose of pending cases. We have taken up majority of districts, barring a few,” he said.

During the Shivamogga visit, Mr Bhatt said the commission visited hostels, McGann Hospital, district jail and bus stand. “We received almost no complaints from the hostel inmates. An inmate in the Regional Prison complained about the delay in his salary. Additionally, those at the private bus stop complained to the commission about the lack of cleanliness. We suggested the relevant officers to do what is necessary,” he said.

He also asked officers to be wary of organizations that claim to fight for the protection of human rights. “A few people have engaged in illegal activities by posing as members of some organizations working in the field of human rights. District governorships should take precautions against such people,” he said.

Mr Vontigodi said the commission would receive reports from relevant officers in response to complaints received. Based on the reports, the commission will hear the case and make appropriate recommendations to the government. “Whenever we recommend compensation for victims in specific cases, the government responds positively. If the government does not take action as per our recommendations, we have the option to table our reports in both the Houses of legislature,” he said in response to a question in an interaction with the media.

The member said the commission had 3,413 cases waiting to be disposed of. “We clear cases by holding regular hearings,” he added.

Deputy Commissioner Gurudatta Hegade, Zilla Panchayat CEO N. Hemanth and others were present at the meeting.