Human Rights Commission takes suo motu cognizance over media report, issues notice over poor quarantine centers in Meghalaya

In relation to a media report that revealed lack of support from government to the community quarantine centers in Meghalaya which are managed by Dorbar Shnongs, the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) have issued a notice to the Chief Secretary for appropriate enquiry. This was done as MHRC took suo motu cognizance over the released media report.

“Right to life is a fundamental right as mandated by Article 21 of the Constitution and it is therefore imperative that the state government undertake necessary steps to alleviate the current state of affairs in the community quarantine centers to ensure that the COVID-19 does not further spread within the community.”

MHRC

Justice T Vaiphei, MHRC Chairperson said that the reaction to the media report was necessary to ensure that it does not lead to Covid-19 cases surge. He further said that the likelihood of negligence from government in providing support to the quarantine centers also exposes the volunteers and support staff that are caring for inmates in these centers to risk of coronavirus infection.

The MHRC said in a statement “Right to life is a fundamental right as mandated by Article 21 of the Constitution and it is therefore imperative that the state government undertake necessary steps to alleviate the current state of affairs in the community quarantine centers to ensure that the COVID-19 does not further spread within the community.”

MHRC has issued a notice to the Meghalaya Chief Secretary to start an enquiry into the matter, conducted by an officer of Commissioner and Secretary rank. The detailed report is to be submitted to the commission within 30 days from the notice received date.

The state government has already issued a financial assistance of INR 5000 to each community quarantine center in the state of Meghalaya.