Human Rights Violations, Laws, and Government Help in India
Introduction
India is the largest democracy in the world, and its Constitution gives every citizen basic rights. These are called human rights and are meant to protect people from injustice and unfair treatment. Even though there are many laws to protect human rights, violations still happen. This article explains human rights, how they are violated in India, what laws protect them, and how the government helps.
What Are Human Rights
Human rights are the basic rights that every person gets, no matter their caste, religion, gender, language, or nationality. Some important human rights include
- Right to life and freedom
- Right to education and health
- Right to equality
- Right to freedom of speech
- Protection from violence and exploitation
Types of Human Rights Violations in India
1. Women and Child Rights Violations
- Domestic violence at home
- Child labour forcing children to work
- Gender discrimination unfair treatment of girls and women
- Sexual harassment and abuse
2. Caste and Religious Discrimination
- Untouchability and caste-based violence
- Religious violence and mob lynching
- Social discrimination in education and jobs
3. Farmers and Workers Rights Violations
- Low wages and job exploitation
- Farmer suicides due to loans and poverty
- Migrant workers facing poor conditions
4. Freedom of Speech and Media Suppression
- Attacks on journalists
- Internet shutdowns and censorship
5. Police and Judicial System Violations
- Police brutality and torture in custody
- Fake encounters and extrajudicial killings
- Delayed justice due to long court cases
Laws to Protect Human Rights in India
Constitutional Rights
- Article 14 – Right to Equality
- Article 19 – Freedom of Speech
- Article 21 – Right to Life and Personal Liberty
- Articles 23 and 24 – Protection from Exploitation
Important Laws for Human Rights Protection
- The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 – Established the National Human Rights Commission NHRC
- SC and ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989 – Protects Dalits and tribal communities
- Child Labor Prohibition and Regulation Act, 1986
- Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment Act, 2013
- Right to Information RTI Act, 2005 – Ensures government transparency
Government Support for Human Rights Protection
1. National and State Human Rights Commissions
- National Human Rights Commission NHRC investigates human rights cases
- State Human Rights Commissions SHRCs protect human rights at the state level
2. Women and Child Protection Schemes
- Women Helpline 181 and Child Helpline 1098
- Nirbhaya Fund – Helps victims of sexual violence
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao – Promotes girls education
3. Farmer and Worker Support
- PM-Kisan Scheme – Financial help for farmers
- MGNREGA – Job guarantee for rural workers
4. Legal Aid and Quick Justice
- NALSA National Legal Services Authority – Free legal help for poor people
- Fast Track Courts – Quick hearings for women and child-related cases
5. Cyber and Digital Rights Protection
- Cyber Crime Helpline 155260 – Helps in online fraud and cyber threats
- Regulation of Internet Shutdowns and Digital Freedom
What Can Citizens Do to Protect Human Rights
As citizens, we all have a role in protecting human rights. Here is what you can do
- Report Human Rights Violations – Call NHRC, SHRC, 100 Police, or 181 Women Helpline
- Use RTI Right to Information – Ask questions and hold the government accountable
- Raise Awareness – Use social media to highlight human rights issues
- Support NGOs and Activists – Many organizations fight for human rights, and we can support them
- Educate People – Spread awareness about human rights in schools, colleges, and communities
Conclusion
India has strong human rights laws, but many people still suffer violations due to a lack of awareness and poor implementation. The government, courts, and citizens must work together to ensure justice and equality for all. Human rights are not just a right – they are a responsibility.
- The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (Hindi)
- The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (English)