The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India took suo moto cognizance earlier this week of human rights violations reported in West Bengal. Suo moto cognizance is a significant performance of the NHRC’s powers, allowing it to independently initiate cases without them having to transit through traditional legal processes like a formal complaint or petition.
The reported violations include severe allegations of harassment and sexual assault upon ‘innocent and impoverished women,’ particularly in the Sandeshkhali district in West Bengal. The safety and security of women, children, and elderly individuals in the area have been reported as “jeopardized”, which has instigated many to leave their homes due to the terrifying threat and actual incidents of torture and sexual abuse.
The NHRC addressed these reports under Section 12 (a) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. Highlighted in this act is the NHRC’s mandate to preserve, protect, and promote human rights, and to take suo motu cognizance of reported incidents of violence. Following this, the NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police in West Bengal, asking for detailed reports of the violent acts and the subsequent steps taken by the authorities.
Information with regard to provided compensations to victims and actions undertaken to rebuild confidence in the local community has also been sought by the NHRC. They expect these details to be presented within a four-week timeframe.
The village of Sandeshkhali has, in response to the reported violence, experienced a wave of protests led by local women demanding the arrest of Shahjahan Sheikh, a district convenor for the Trinamool Congress Party who has been accused by village residents of coercive land grabbing and sexual harassment. Sheikh is currently evading the authorities following an alleged attack on a team of Enforcement Directorate officers carried out by his aides.
In related news, the Supreme Court of India is expected to hear a public interest litigation petition early next week. This seeks a court-monitored investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the matters of violence and sexual harassment in Sandeshkhali.
More details about this unfolding case can be found over at Jurist – News.