Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant has stressed that courts have a responsibility to step in whenever constitutional rights are violated. Speaking at the 33rd Foundation Day celebration of the National Human Rights Commission in New Delhi, he said the Constitution guarantees every citizen dignity, equality, liberty and justice.
He emphasised that human rights commissions play an important role in examining complaints, identifying wider institutional shortcomings and bringing overlooked concerns to the attention of the authorities.
Justice Surya Kant explained that human rights extend beyond basic freedoms and are closely connected with human dignity. They also include access to healthcare, food, shelter, livelihood and a clean environment. He expressed confidence that the Commission would continue working to protect human rights while promoting justice, dignity and accountability.
Highlighting the Commission’s record over the past 33 years, he said it had registered more than 24 lakh cases and resolved over 23 lakh, resulting in a disposal rate of more than 98 per cent.
The Chief Justice also noted that the launch of the NHRC India mobile application would make its services easier to access. Through the application, citizens can submit complaints, follow their progress and obtain relevant information conveniently.
He further pointed to the Commission’s work in cases involving custodial torture and deaths, bonded labour, industrial exploitation and the protection of marginalised communities. These interventions, he said, reflect the Commission’s significant contribution to protecting human rights.