Justice Arun Kumar Mishra, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and former Supreme Court judge, has called for reforms and tackling injustice in India. During a colloquium on Distributive Justice and Substantive Equality, Justice Mishra highlighted the importance of reservation as a means to ensure justice for the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (SC and ST) communities. He emphasized that despite India celebrating 75 years of Independence, these communities continue to face persistent challenges.
Justice Mishra advocated for change, even if it requires amending existing laws, in order to address the prevalent disparities in society. He specifically mentioned the need to redefine certain concepts, including gender equality, and confront the persistent denial of fundamental rights for SC and ST castes.
In addition to addressing social imbalances, Justice Mishra stressed the significance of rectifying disparities arising from technological advancements. He highlighted the digital divide as a potential obstacle to the country’s overall progress and called for vigilant measures to address challenges posed by technology. These measures include enacting laws to hold intermediaries accountable and imposing penalties for issues such as child sexual abuse, where children are live-streamed and others profit from it.
The NHRC chief further emphasized the need for equal provision of education, healthcare, and basic amenities as mandated by the Constitution. This, he believes, is crucial for fostering a more equitable environment and achieving sustainable growth. Justice Mishra also highlighted the importance of addressing challenges such as equal pay for equal work and exploitation based on social backgrounds, particularly the deplorable practice of manual scavenging.
In conclusion, Justice Arun Kumar Mishra called for immediate attention to these pressing issues and emphasized the role of the courts in ensuring justice and equality. As the country moves forward post-Independence, he urged the courts not to remain silent spectators but to actively work towards addressing social disparities and upholding fundamental rights for all citizens.
In light of the NHRC chief’s calls for reforms and tackling injustice, it is evident that there is a pressing need to prioritize justice and equality in Indian society. As the nation celebrates 75 years of Independence, it is essential to confront the persistent challenges faced by the SC and ST communities, redefine concepts like gender equality, bridge the digital divide, and rectify existing imbalances in areas such as education, healthcare, and basic amenities. The words of Justice Arun Kumar Mishra serve as a reminder that in order to achieve true progress and growth, a concerted effort is required by all stakeholders to ensure justice for all.
