[Human Rights Day] Freedom of speech to be protected, but cannot be an unruly horse: NHRC Chairperson Arun Mishra

On the occasion of Human Rights Day, Justice (retd) Arun Mishra said that while the freedom of speech is a fundamental right to be protected, it cannot be an unruly horse that violates sovereignty and integrity of the country, public order, decency or morality.

. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairperson and former Supreme Court judge opined that one is obligated to be faithful to the values in Article 19 of the Constitution and related laws, and that honesty in the freedom of speech is feared the most.

. Justice Mishra said that the future of the country lay in the hands of the younger generation, which is why core human values and faith in the goodness of human beings needed to be instilled in them.

He said that the ethos of human rights were already prevailing in Indian culture and tradition, which were then codified through the Constitution.

“ India is the largest vibrant democracy globally, having unity in diverse religions, cultures, faiths and languages. Our bright future depends on removing inequality, ignorance, illiteracy, diseases and poverty .”

. He added that the message of constructive evolution should be propagate, by stopping any destructive mentality and holding countries advancing terrorism accountable.

“ The world faces challenges caused by growing terrorism, shrinking democratic space, intimidation, reprisals and complaints of grave violation of gender rights. Aghast is migration problems, issues of refugees and that of displaced persons .”

. Emphasising that human rights are inalienable, acquired at birth and not mere aspirations, Justice Mishra said that it was necessary to provide a remedy for victims of business-related human rights violations, so that resources essential for sustainable development do not become scarce.

“ All individuals have the bare minimum right to a safe, clean, healthy environment. We see the trans-border movement of hazardous waste, e-waste, global warming. To save the further degradation of the environment, we have to think globally and act locally. India has emerged as a pioneer in 'National Climatic Policy' as a catalyst to protect the environment .”

. Speaking on eliminating discrimination, Justice Mishra observed that tolerance and inclusion were non-negotiable human rights.

"We have to eliminate discrimination based on gender, disability and ageing. We have to make weaker-stronger and remove barriers in the path to achieving a harmonious society. To have inclusive growth, we have to take care of the factors resulting in exclusion and ensure that no one is left behind as victims of discrimination,” he said.

. The NHRC Chairperson further spoke of the recovery from the shock of the pandemic. He stated that this was an opportunity to set the stage at a global level for a more inclusive, equitable and friendly world, anchored in human rights.

"We have to ensure that everyone is able to reap the fruit of one's hard work. Small vendors do not starve. No infringement of civil liberties takes place."

. He opined that due to delayed justice, people take the law into their own hands, and emphasised that the imprisonment of suspects without a trial must be avoided. The former judge concluded his speech by remarking that justice was the source of a peaceful society, and highlighted the need for speedy delivery of justice.

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[Human Rights Day] Freedom of speech to be protected, but cannot be an unruly horse: NHRC Chairperson Arun Mishra

Shagun Suryam

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