PANAJI
The Goa Human Rights Commission has recorded a huge backlog of 435 pending cases, mainly due to vacancies in key positions over eight months from February to October 2023.
Despite this, several human rights cases have been heard with 136 recommendations pronounced till date including ten cases challenged in higher courts.
"As of now, 435 cases are pending with the Commission. The backlog is primarily because the posts of the Chairperson and two members were vacant from February 27, 2023, to October 31, 2023. Cases were adjourned sine die and resumed only after November 1, 2023, following the appointment of the Acting Chairperson and a new member,” Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said in response to an unstarred question tabled by MLA Venzy Veigas.
Other reasons for the backlog included delayed responses from respondents and the need for inquiries due to disputed facts. “The Commission is making all efforts to expedite the cases and dispense justice,” CM said.
Out of 136 recommendations issued, 110 have been accepted while 10 were challenged in the High Court of Bombay at Goa. One of these was appealed before the Supreme Court where the matter is pending hearing.
“In 16 cases, recommendations have been issued but Action Taken Reports are still awaited. Reminders have been sent. There are no cases of rejected recommendations," Sawant added.
His reply further mentioned that of the ten cases challenged, outcomes in five have not yet been communicated by the High Court and one is pending with the Supreme Court. “In two cases, the recommendations were upheld by the High Court whereas one case was settled after the High Court set aside the Commission’s order, and another was resolved by the High Court issuing directions to the Commission,” reads the reply.
Retired Principal District & Sessions Court Judge Desmond D’Costa Desmond D’Costa and Retired District & Sessions Judge Pramod Kamat are appointed Acting Chairperson and member respectively.
