NHRC flags human rights concerns, issues multiple notices

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of five separate media reports highlighting serious lapses in governance, healthcare, and law enforcement across different states. Observing potential human rights violations, the Commission has issued notices to concerned authorities, directing them to submit detailed reports within 15 days.

Shortage of doctors at ESIC super speciality hospital, Faridabad

The Commission acted on a report about severe shortages of doctors and infrastructure at the ESIC Super Speciality Hospital in Faridabad, Haryana. With over 6.5 lakh ESIC cardholders in Palwal and Faridabad alone—and many patients coming from Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida—patients are reportedly forced to wait hours, even in emergencies. Notices have been sent to the Haryana Chief Secretary and the ESIC Chairman.

Absence of night duty doctors at PHC in Jabalpur

In Madhya Pradesh, the NHRC took cognizance of a report from Barela, Jabalpur, where doctors posted at a primary health centre allegedly do not attend night shifts, leaving accident victims without even basic first aid. Patients are forced to travel to district hospitals, sometimes resulting in deaths. The Commission issued a notice to the state’s Chief Secretary, calling for a report.

Police lathi-charge in Ghazipur leaves one dead

The Commission noted a report from Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, where a villager died and others sustained injuries in a police lathi-charge during protests against electricity pole installation. Five policemen have been suspended. Notices have been issued to the Uttar Pradesh DGP and the District Magistrate, Ghazipur.

Woman burnt alive in Farrukhabad

The NHRC also responded to reports of a woman being set ablaze by a group of people in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, while she was out to buy medicine. She later died in hospital. Notices have been sent to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary and DGP, with directions to report on action taken against perpetrators and compensation to the victim’s family.

Piled-up unclaimed bodies in Raipur mortuary

In Chhattisgarh, the Commission expressed concern over reports of unclaimed bodies piling up in the Raipur District Hospital mortuary due to the absence of designated facilities for last rites. The NHRC reminded authorities of its 2021 advisory that dignity extends even to the dead. Notices were issued to the Chhattisgarh Chief Secretary.

Commission’s broader concern

In all five cases, the NHRC observed that the reported lapses—whether in healthcare, policing, or handling of the deceased—raise significant human rights concerns. It stressed the accountability of state authorities to ensure timely redressal and uphold dignity, justice, and constitutional safeguards. The Commission directed that comprehensive reports be submitted within two weeks.