Hemant Goswami

Human Rights?Human Rights?Human Rights?Human Rights?

My understanding of Human Rights

1. To�enjoy�everything�what�the�nature�has�given�

you�…….�unhindered

2. Enjoying�it�within�reasonable�parameters�of�

‘Civility’ ………… i.e. ……..�In�accordance�with�the�

mutually�agreed�upon�safeguards�for�uniform�

enjoyment�of�natural�rights

““““All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”

What Role Does the State What Role Does the State What Role Does the State What Role Does the State have in this?have in this?have in this?have in this?

Just�to�ensure�that�everyone’s�rights�are�protected�and�

everyone�is�………………

2. Enjoying�it�within�reasonable�parameters�of�‘Civility’ …………

i.e.�……..�In�accordance�with�the�mutually�agreed�upon�

safeguards�for�uniform�enjoyment�of�natural�rights�…

[Constitution�and�Laws]

State has no business to walk even a small step

further than this ….

In IndiaIn IndiaIn IndiaIn India

Chapter III of the Indian Constitution can said to be

India’s declaration of Human Rights

Despite�this,�there�have�been�numerous�dilutions�….

We�have�also�carried�over�the�burden�of�our�legacy�of�

oppression�…….�Carried�it�forward�from�the�unfair�rulers�

and�occupiers�with�little�application�of�mind.

Article 19(1)(a)Article 19(1)(a)Article 19(1)(a)Article 19(1)(a) can be said to be the First Right

Article 19(1)(a)Article 19(1)(a)Article 19(1)(a)Article 19(1)(a)

19.�Protection�of�certain�rights�regarding�freedom�of�speech,�etc.�- (1)�

All�citizens�shall�have�the�right- (a)�To�freedom�of�speech�and�

expression;

There can be no freedom, if there is no “Freedom of Speech.” In all oppressions, freedom of expression is the first causality ….

In�INDIA�we�have�never�seen�true�‘Freedom�of�Speech�and�

Expression.’ If�this�right�is�not�ensured�(and�safeguarded)�then�we�

are�bound�to�loose�our�freedom�and�democracy

RTI and 19(1)(a)RTI and 19(1)(a)RTI and 19(1)(a)RTI and 19(1)(a)

If free flow of information is missing, then how can

there be freedom of speech and expression?

� Open�and�free�dialogue�is�possible�only�when�sufficient�

information�is�available for�further�deliberations�and�

discussion

� Dialogue,�discussions�and�expression�must�be�free�from�

any�retaliation or�oppressive/suppressive�action��

Right to InformationRight to InformationRight to InformationRight to Information

RTI is part of this basic Human Right …….. It’s the most basic of the rights

�Makes�it�mandatory�on�the�custodian/trustees�for�safeguarding�‘Civility’ to�share�all�information,�inputs�and�output�which�was�processed�during�the�‘Service�to�the�Public/Humanity’

� Intents�to�open�up�dialogue�for�necessary�corrective�action�and�ensure�development�in�the�right�and�desired�direction

�Protect�equal�distribution�of�good�among�all�………..�All�other�rights�dependent�on�this�right

How we have been doing till How we have been doing till How we have been doing till How we have been doing till now in India?now in India?now in India?now in India?

ExtremelyExtremelyExtremelyExtremely

BADBADBADBAD

The Present ScenarioThe Present ScenarioThe Present ScenarioThe Present Scenario

� There�is�freedom�of�speech�even�inside�the�Parliament�… what�to�say�of�common�man.�Constant�fear�of�retaliation;�both�direct�and�indirect

� Various�Cities�(Including�Chandigarh)�see�frequent�violation�of�Chapter�III�….�For�example�part�of�Chandigarh�is�continuously�under�Section�144�Cr.P.C.�Which�means;�your�constitutional�rights�have�been�hijacked

� Information�is�not�shared�…….�Even�at�the�highest�level.�Transparency�is�not�maintained.�Free�speech�is�not�accepted

� State�machinery,�including�police,�is�non�responsive�even�to�individual�cry�of�grievance�…… even�registration�of�an�FIR�is�not�possible�without�paying�bribes.

� Political�environment�is�also�not�conducive�to�free�speech�and�free�flow�of�information

Use of RTI for corrective Use of RTI for corrective Use of RTI for corrective Use of RTI for corrective actionactionactionaction

What RTI is being used for since 2005

• Exposing�wrongs�done�to�oneself

• Public�resources

• Exposing�public�corruption

• Speeding�up�the�process�without�the�

SPEED…money

• Corrective�policy�intervention�by�citizen�groups

What RTI has actually doneWhat RTI has actually doneWhat RTI has actually doneWhat RTI has actually done

Brought greater

degree of ‘freedom of

speech and

expression’…….. paved way for comprehensive human rights

This single act has helped human rights more than anything else

What you can do?What you can do?What you can do?What you can do?

Can you take complete responsibility of 50 yards radius around you?

My Philosophy of Citizens’ Action

Thank YouThank YouThank YouThank You

Questions & Comments

Hemant Goswami