NHRC concludes two-day hearing in Hyderabad, addresses 109 human rights violations in Telangana

Hyderabad: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on July 29, 2025, concluded its two-day Camp Sitting in Hyderabad after hearing 109 cases related to human rights violations across Telangana. The sessions were chaired by NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian, along with Members Dr. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi and Vijaya Bharathi Sayani. Victims, complainants, and relevant authorities were present during the hearings, which also included key officers from the NHRC such as Bharat Lal, Secretary General, and R.P. Meena, Director General (Investigation).

Cases Heard and Reliefs Provided

The NHRC addressed a wide range of issues, including deaths of children in hospital fires, stray dog menace, human trafficking, police atrocities, crimes against women and children, suicide deaths, caste-based discrimination, and food poisoning in schools. Some of the prominent cases and the reliefs provided are as follows:

• Caste-Based Harassment: In a case from Khammam district where a family faced caste-based harassment and social boycott, the NHRC’s intervention led to police action and ensured that the villagers refrained from engaging in discriminatory practices against the family.
• Food Poisoning in Gurukul Schools: Regarding the death of 48 students and 886 food poisoning incidents in Gurukul schools in Telangana, the NHRC directed that the Secretaries of all five Gurukul schools submit a report on the matter within four weeks.
• Wrongful Arrest and Police Atrocities: In a case involving wrongful arrest and lathi charge by police, the NHRC ordered the state government to submit all related documents, including environmental clearance and consent to establish the plant in question.
• Blast at DRDO-linked Unit: Following a deadly blast at a DRDO-linked rocket propellant unit, which killed four people, the NHRC ensured that Rs. 50 lakh was paid to the families of the victims. The compensation has been paid to three of the four families, and the Commission has directed that the remaining payment be made to the fourth family.
• Stray Dog Menace: In a case raised by a Class 5 student regarding the growing stray dog menace, the NHRC directed authorities to create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to tackle the issue effectively.
• Tribal Women Trafficking: In a case related to the trafficking of tribal women, the NHRC ensured the dismissal of an erring constable and facilitated the recovery of trafficked women.

Compensation and Case Closures

During the hearing, the NHRC recommended compensation of Rs. 49.65 lakh across 9 cases. Of this amount, Rs. 22.50 lakh has already been paid, and the government has agreed to pay the remaining Rs. 27.15 lakh. Additionally, 29 cases were closed after hearings, based on merits, while 2 cases were closed after receiving compliance reports and proof of payment.

NHRC’s Meeting with Telangana Government Officials

On July 29, 2025, the NHRC held a meeting with senior officials of the Telangana government, including Chief Secretary and Director General of Police. The session was chaired by NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian, and Bharat Lal, Secretary General of NHRC, emphasized the need for systemic reforms to prevent human rights violations. He stressed that government policies should be inclusive, ensuring that no one is left out, and that compliance reports must be submitted in a timely manner to the NHRC.

The meeting also addressed issues such as crime against women and children, man-animal conflict, the challenges of malnutrition in children, and the plight of marginalized groups such as SC Corporation members and LGBTQI communities. The government was encouraged to ensure the prompt implementation of the NHRC’s advisories on issues like Mental Health, Bonded Labour, Right to Food and Safety, and Mental Health Support.

Collaboration with Civil Society, and NGOs

In addition to government discussions, the NHRC also interacted with civil society representatives, NGOs, and human rights defenders. The organizations highlighted various human rights concerns, including the problems faced by elderly persons, disabled individuals, and bedridden patients. NGOs also raised the issue of financial assistance for caregivers of severely disabled individuals and the lack of identity documents for children from marginalized communities.

The NHRC commended the role of these organizations in promoting human rights and assured them that the NHRC would continue to work in partnership with them. Justice V. Ramasubramanian highlighted that the Commission’s collaboration with NGOs and human rights defenders is essential to strengthening human rights protections across the country. The meeting concluded with the reminder that individuals can file complaints of human rights violations online via hrcnet.nic.in.