New Delhi: The Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu found fault with the tendency of some activist groups for adopting an ambivalent attitude on human rights.
Addressing the gathering at the Valedictory ceremony of the LAWASIA conference in New Delhi, he said “they either defend or maintain silence regarding the violation of human rights by the violent groups and are ready to condemn law- enforcing, peace-promoting, firm action by the State. This dual stand is untenable”.
Naidu asserted that violence or terror in any form and perpetrated by any one against any individual or group should be condemned and dealt with firmly as per the laws of the land.
The Vice President expressed his happiness that the Supreme Court had made great strides in human rights jurisprudence in the country. He said that since the Emergency, the Supreme Court has emerged as a relentless protector of the rights regime, setting an example for the top constitutional courts of the Asia Pacific Region.
Describing Law as a tool for social change, he said that our constitutional courts, through the innovation of public interest litigation are addressing myriad issues concerning the rights of citizens in the country. The combined efforts of the Government of India and the constitutional courts have contributed to the achievement of the constitutional goals, he added.
Naidu reminded that the framers of our constitution had clearly demarcated the powers and functions of the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary.
He advised that the delicate balance between all the three wings should be maintained at all times and nobody should encroach into the domain of others. ‘Wheels of democracy will run smoothly as long as each wing functions within its demarcated domain and not overstep into other’s jurisdiction’, he added.
Referring to various topics such as Gender, Sexuality, Human Rights and New Technology being discussed at the conference, he said that these were the areas where nation-states are treading uncharted territory. ‘I am confident that such discussions will elevate the discourse’, he added.
The Vice President reiterated that India’s commitment to the preservation and protection of human rights continues to be unequivocal.
President of LAWASIA, Christopher Leong, President Bar Association of India, Dr. Lalit Bhasin, Vice President, LAWASIA, Shyam Divan and members of the organizing committee were also present on the occasion.
