No cases for Human Rights Courts in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: Hardly anyone is approaching the Human Rights courts in the State though they were constituted about two years ago.

This is not because there are no complaints about human rights violations, as the State Human Rights Commission receives a number of complaints every month. Apparently, there is still lack of awareness about the courts since adequate publicity was not given to the courts and their functions.

The government had designated the session court in each district as the Human Rights Court under the Protection of Human Rights Act with the concurrence of the Chief Justice of the High Court. The courts are to provide speedy trial of cases arising out of violation of human rights.

Though many people approach the State Human Rights Commission, it had only recommendatory powers. Several of its recommendations have been ignored by the Government including compensation awarded for police excesses. Though there is provision for the Commission to approach the High Court for enforcement, the Commission has never done so.