NEW DELHI: On Tuesday the government brushed aside the comments of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on the alleged misuse of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), saying that India was a democratic political organization based on the rule of law and an independent judiciary.
The government also reminded the UN human rights chief that lawmaking was a sovereign prerogative. “However, violations of the law cannot be tolerated on the pretext of human rights. A more informed view of the matter was expected from a UN body, ”the MEA spokesman said. Anurag Srivastava.
Claiming that the FCRA was being used to “deter or punish NGOs” for reporting on human rights, Bachelet had asked India to review the law. Constructive criticism is the soul of democracy. Even if the authorities find it uncomfortable, it should never be criminalized or outlawed, ”Bachelet had said in his comments.
Against Bachelet, sources here said that India was a vibrant and pluralistic democracy with a strong internal grievance redress mechanism, overseen by an independent judiciary and a Category ‘A’ National Human Rights Commission that complies with the Paris Principles.
“These mechanisms are fully capable of addressing all allegations of human rights violations anywhere in India. India has been at the forefront of promoting and protecting human rights in accordance with its international obligations and remains committed to doing so in the future, ”the source said, detailing India’s response.
Bachelet had urged India to ensure that no one is detained for exercising their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and to do everything possible, in law and in policy, to protect India’s strong civil society. “I also urge the authorities to carefully review the FCRA for its compliance with international human rights standards and to release those charged under the Prevention of Illegal Activities Act for simply exercising basic human rights that India it is obliged to protect, ”he said.
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