As a part of SJCL’s Outside Classroom Learning Initiative, a visit to the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission was organized for the students of 3BBA LLB. The visit was attended by 22 students who were accompanied by the faculty member Mr. Yashwont Kiran S. The first session commenced at 11:30am with a warm welcome by the Public Relation Officer at KSHRC Ms. Gowthami. The students were introduced to the objectives of the KSHRC and were briefed about the significance and importance of human rights in order to understand the necessity for the State Human Rights Commission in safeguarding the rights and dignity of individuals. Next, the history of human rights was discussed where relevance was drawn to Magna Carta and UDHR convention. The speaker elaborated on the enactment of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, under which both the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and State Human Rights Commissions were established. The students were then briefed about the mission and vision of the commission which include the protection of human rights, compensation for the victims and departmental enquiries as recommendations against government officials. During the session, the students were given detailed information regarding the powers, functions and jurisdiction of the commission.

The commission mainly deals with matters relating to police excesses, custodial violence, illegal detention, abuse of authority, negligence by public servants, basic amenities and violations affecting women, children, prisoners, and marginalized communities. The speaker also explained the organizational structure and appointment process of the KSHRC. The KSRHC consists of 3 main wings which include the admin wing, the law wing and the investigation wing. The procedure for filing complaints before the commission was also explained where the complaints can be filed by victims, family members, or representatives either through their website, portal, or in person at their office or through post. The session was concluded with the Ms. Gowthami emphasizing on how the concept of human rights is the very basis for all laws and how it is the duty of the state to safeguard theses rights and dignity and the crucial role played by the KSHRC in ensuring the same.

The second session was taken up by the Deputy Superintendent of Police Mr. Sudhir M. Hegde who briefed us about the how the investigation wing functions and how the investigation is carried on when a case is being taken up by the KSHRC. Addressing the students, he explained that the concept of human rights is fundamentally centered around the protection and preservation of the dignity of every individual. He highlighted that the KSHRC is a significant body empowered to

question public officials and authorities in situations where the dignity and rights of individuals are violated and where the protection of such dignity can be rightfully demanded. He further explained the hierarchy of the investigation wing and then went on to explain the procedure followed for receiving and allocating complaints for investigation. He stated that although investigations generally begin with the registration of an FIR, the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 empowers the commission to conduct investigations even without an FIR. Investigations mainly take place in two ways — firstly, when complaints received before the bench are referred to the investigation wing for a preliminary report, and secondly, when matters are referred by higher authorities after submission of reports. The students were then briefed about the powers of the investigation wing as mentioned under section 13 and 14 of the act. He also explained the procedure followed by the commission in cases of illegal detention. When such complaints are received, the bench may immediately refer the matter to the investigation wing, after which the concerned public office or police station is investigated.

He further presented a few case studies handled by the KSHRC. One case was related to contaminated water supplied by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, where despite official reports stating that the water was safe, investigation by the KSHRC revealed defects in the water pipeline situated beneath a drainage line, which was later rectified. Another case involved a kidney scam concerning a mentally challenged individual from a government-funded hostel, where investigation by the commission led to 14lakh compensation being awarded to the victim’s family and action being taken against the officials involved. These case studies highlighted the important role played by the investigation wing of the KSHRC in ensuring accountability and protecting human rights. The session concluded with the speaker taking up questions from the students.

The third session was taken by Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr. Shri Hanumantharaya IPS, who is the head of the investigation wing of KSHRC. Addressing the students, he explained that human rights is a vast and continuously evolving subject with great relevance to law and society. He spoke about the National Human Rights Commission Guidelines of 1994, which form the basis for the functioning of the KSHRC, and also referred to the international framework of human rights, including the 30 Articles of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and various international conventions. He further explained that the commission possesses both punitive and recommendatory powers in matters relating to human rights violations. He also discussed the role of the four pillars of democracy - the executive, legislature, judiciary, and media and highlighted how the scope of human rights violations has expanded over time and continues to increase in contemporary society. Referring to concepts such as the right to innocence, current

international conflicts, media influence in criminal cases, and violations occurring through social media platforms, he emphasized that human rights issues today extend far beyond traditional forms. The session concluded with the speaker stating that the existing norms and attitudes within society often shape the nature of human rights violations.

To conclude the visit, the students met the Chairman of the KSHRC and took a group photograph with him. He interacted with the students and conveyed his best wishes for their future academic and professional endeavours.