Nagpur: “Dialogue implies not only speaking but listening also, without listening one cannot participate in a dialogue. Society, media and human rights are interlinked to each other. They are the common thread in protecting the human rights . The essence of human rights is to secure the dignity of an Individual.” said acting chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Justice Cyriac Joseph here on Monday.
Justice Joseph was speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day national seminar on ‘Indian society, media and challenges of human rights: A dialogue’ organised by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar College of Law, Nagpur and National Human Rights Commision, New Delhi.
Justice Joseph further said that protection of human rights is the hallmark of any civilised society. He in a very simple way cited on the ten commandments which says, “you should love your neigbhours as yourself “. This practice can be very relevant in doing our little bit in the society.
He explained the role of the judiciary, legislature and executive in protecting the human rights. He said judiciary should uphold the laws of the constitution. Legislature has played its role in providing these laws. It is the judiciary and executive to enforce these laws properly.
Speaking about the role of media in the challenges of human rights, Justice Joseph said, “We should be generous enough to recognize the role of media in protecting human rights in the past, present and so it will in the future also. Media compels the authority to act on the issues of the people. Media is necessary for the society, he added.
However, on the issue of media trial, Joseph said trials should be left to judiciary. Trials come under the ambit of judiciary and it is the right given to the judiciary by the Constitution. Truth should come out, but every truth needs not be come out in the media, unless it is good for the society. Media has also failed to discharge its duties, so are judiciary and legislature.
He appealed that media should respect people’s right to information. He said it is the fundamental right of the citizens to get right information. Media should imbibe respect for truth, respect for good of the society and respect to right to privacy. He further elaborated that media cannot be equated with judiciary. There are certain powers conferred on judiciary and which is not conferred on the media.
Speaking on the occassion, the keynote speaker vice chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi Antararashtriya Hindi Vishawavidyalaya Dr Girishwar said that human rights facility should be accessible to all, the people who have no knowledge of human rights should be accessed to. He said media has played a role in attracting people’s attention towards human rights. He emphasised on stopping the violation of human rights.
Member of NHRC Sharad Sinha while adrressing the gathering raised the concerns of the poor people. How basic needs and human rights should reach to all sections of the society. He also raised concerns on free speech and attacks on religious places, describing it as blot on the image of our country.
Media is human rights defender
Justice Joseph said Media play’s a very significant role in stopping the violation of Human Rights. He informed how media protects human rights. Media plays the role of creating awareness among the people about Human Rights. Media plays also very important role of exposing violation of human rights. Media can play a very important role in motivating people to rise against violation of human rights.
Dream of doing something good
Citing an example from a folklore,wherein Shree Ram asks Laxman to seek advice from Ravana as he was a learned person. Justice Joseph spoke about learning good from learned people. He asked the students to “dream of doing something good for the people and once you dream do it and don’t delay it.” said Justice Joseph.
