Policy meaningless if implemented without human face: HL Dattu

Any well-intended policy or law, purportedly for betterment of the country, will be meaningless if implemented without a humane face, NHRC chairperson Justice H L Dattu on Friday said in remarks that come in the midst of difficulties faced by people on account of cash crunch triggered by demonetisation.

He did not specifically refer to the demonetisation or the difficulties arising out of it in his message on the eve of Human Rights Day on Saturday. Dattu said the preamble of the Constitution and the articles relating to fundamental rights and directive principles of state policy make protection of human rights a constitutional obligation of the state as well as the duty of a citizen.

“Therefore, any well intended action, policy or law, purportedly for the betterment of the country, will render itself meaningless, if implemented without a humane face and people’s co-operation,” he said in the message. Dattu also called upon people to contribute in creating a society in which human rights of every individual are respected and protected in “our quest for the growth and development of our great nation.” 

On Saturday is the Human Rights Day. On this day in 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations had adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “It is in commemoration of this Universal Declaration that a Day is dedicated to remind people to stand up for their human rights and respect others’ rights,” said Dattu.