National Human Rights Commission Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Brutal Assault and Inhuman Treatment of Woman in Gujarat
Distilled Policy Brief
- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognizance of a brutal assault and inhuman treatment of a married woman in Surendranagar district, Gujarat, who was living with another man.
- The NHRC issued notices to the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police of Surendranagar, demanding a detailed report within two weeks regarding the victim's health status and compensation.
- The incident involved kangaroo-court style 'purification rituals', physical assault, public humiliation, and forced abuse, highlighting grave violations of human rights.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is a statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, possessing powers to suo motu inquire into violations of human rights.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Examine the role of statutory bodies like the NHRC in protecting vulnerable sections from patriarchal violence, caste/community kangaroo courts, and ensuring accountability of local administration.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and its recent intervention regarding an incident in Surendranagar district, Gujarat, consider the following statements: 1. The NHRC took suo motu cognizance of the incident based on a media report. 2. The Commission has the statutory power to issue notices to administrative authorities like the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police to call for detailed reports. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- [A] 1 only
- [B] 2 only
- [C] Both 1 and 2
- [D] Neither 1 nor 2
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
The NHRC took suo motu cognizance of the brutal assault on a woman in Surendranagar district, Gujarat, based on media reports. As part of its mandate to protect human rights, the Commission issued notices to the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police seeking a detailed report within two weeks. Both statements are correct.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.