India Is A Secular State With No State Religion, Citizens’ Freedoms Are Well-Protected: AG Mukul Rohatgi Tells UNHRC [Read Full Text]

India, on Thursday, reiterated at the United Nations Human Rights Council, that it is a secular state with no state religion, and that safeguarding the rights of minorities forms an essential core of its polity, as it came under criticism from Pakistan over treatment of minorities.Speaking at the 27th session of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group in Geneva, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi emphasized on the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, as imbibed in “India’s ancient wisdom”, and flaunted the country’s openness and diversity, which he claimed is reflected in India’s polity as well.Mr. Rohatgi repeatedly mentioned the pivotal role played by the judiciary in upholding human rights in the country. On one occasion, without naming Yakub Memon, he mentioned how he was summoned at 2 in the morning by the Supreme Court to hear his appeal.“The Right to fair trial and free legal aid up to the highest court are enshrined as Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India and thus guaranteed to all individuals. So much so that as the Attorney General of India, I was summoned by the Supreme Court at 2 in the morning to hear a last-ditch petition, after several rounds of litigation, by a convict who was guilty of terrorism to escape punishment. This shows the importance attached to upholding of human rights by India,” he was quoted as saying.He also spoke about the Apex Court’s judgement directing the government to declare transgender persons as a ‘third gender’ and included them as an “Other Backward Class” entitled to affirmative action benefits.Mr. Rohatgi then went on to address the concerns raised regarding Indian judiciary’s ability for redressal of rights violations due to barriers to access to justice. He drew the attention of the Council to the Law Commission’s recommendations on institutional changes to facilitate timely justice, which are being considered by the Government and the Supreme Court of India.Further, assuring the Council of India’s commitment to tackle the issue of global warming, he drew its attention to the Supreme Court having recognized the right to clean environment as a part of an individual’s right to life guaranteed by the Constitution of India.During the address, the AG apprised the Council of several Government initiatives such as the Smart Cities, Make in India, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Swachh Bhara, Aadhaar Unique Identification Number, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Jan Dhan Yojana, Accessible India Campaign and Start up India. He further shared the country’s vision to develop India into the “Skill Capital” of the world through the “Skill India Initiative”, in view of the fact that 60% of its population is below 35 years of age.He cited with pride the Maternity Benefits Amendment Act, 2017, which provides extended maternity leave, crèche facilities, and flexible working hours to facilitate women’s equal access to employment opportunities. These initiatives, he said, mirror the targets of the Seventeen Sustainable Development Goals for achieving the 2030 Agenda.While several Government panels present at the meeting were reportedly of the view that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) should be repealed, Mr. Rohatgi gave no assurances of its removal, merely stating that the Act applies to very few areas, which are in proximity to some international borders. “Whether this Act should be repealed or not is a matter of on-going vibrant political debate in my country,” he further said.Read the Full Text HereStatement by Indiaat the Third Universal Periodic Review of India, delivered by theLeader of the Indian delegation H.E. Mr. Mukul Rohatgi,Attorney General of India Thank you, Mr. President,Excellencies,Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen It is my privilege to welcome you all to India’s Third Universal Periodic Review. India would like to compliment the UN Human Rights Council on the continued relevance of the process of UPR, which in the course of its two cycles, has emerged as a unique peer review mechanism. We remain convinced of its effectiveness in encouraging the promotion and protection of human rights in all parts of the world. We have been steadfast in adhering to the requirements of the process.India's ancient wisdom sees the world as one family “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”. This ethos is reflected in the Indian tradition of openness and diversity; co-existence and cooperation. Along with being the world’s largest democracy, Indian polity also weaves in immense diversity with respect for tolerance and mutual understanding.India believes that achieving human rights goals calls for constant dialogue, engagement and coordination among various stakeholders. As a responsible member of the United Nations, my country remains committed towards meaningful engagement with international organizations as well as other States in a spirit of reciprocity with a common desire for a better world.The UPR national report drafting process has been...

India Is A Secular State With No State Religion, Citizens’ Freedoms Are Well-Protected: AG Mukul Rohatgi Tells UNHRC [Read Full Text]

Apoorva Mandhani

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