Civil and Human Rights are fundamental protections that safeguard the dignity, equality, liberty, security and lawful interests of individuals.
In India, these rights and protections arise from the Constitution of India, various laws and statutory mechanisms established for the protection of individuals and communities.
Is There a Single Human Rights Act?
Human rights are not contained in one single law. They are protected through the Constitution and numerous laws.
An important legislation is the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, which provides for the National Human Rights Commission, State Human Rights Commissions and Human Rights Courts for better protection of human rights. The Act came into force on 28 September 1993.
For specific civil-rights protections, the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 is an important law. It provides punishment for the practice and enforcement of disabilities arising from untouchability and came into force on 1 June 1955.
Key Rights & Protections
Human and civil-rights protections broadly include:
- Equality before law
- Equal protection of law
- Right to life and personal liberty
- Human dignity
- Protection against unlawful discrimination
- Protection against arbitrary or unlawful deprivation of liberty
- Protection against torture and cruel or inhuman treatment
- Protection against practices of untouchability
- Freedom and other constitutional protections
- Access to appropriate legal remedies
What Is the Benefit?
These protections provide citizens with legal and institutional mechanisms to challenge unlawful discrimination, abuse, exploitation, arbitrary action and other violations of legally protected rights.
They also promote the fundamental principles of:
Equality • Liberty • Dignity • Justice • Rule of Law
How Can You Exercise Your Rights?
If you believe your rights have been violated:
- Record the facts, date, time and location.
- Preserve relevant documents, photographs, medical records, messages or other evidence.
- Identify the nature of the alleged violation.
- Approach the appropriate police, administrative, statutory or judicial authority.
- Where applicable, approach the appropriate Human Rights Commission or other competent forum.
- Seek qualified legal advice where necessary.
CRPC Assistance
CRPC may provide general rights awareness, procedural guidance, documentation assistance and information regarding appropriate grievance mechanisms.
