Padma Shri Jatinder Singh Shunty Holds Public Hearing in Zira, Directs Action on Human Rights Complaints

Zira (Ferozepur), October 24:- Jatinder Singh Shunty, a member of the Punjab State Human Rights Commission and a Padma Shri awardee, visited Zira in Ferozepur district and held a public hearing at Jan Kalyan Bhawan. The visit was part of the Commission’s initiative to spread awareness about human rights and provide people with a platform to raise their grievances.

The Commission is reaching out across Punjab and interacting with NGOs, senior citizens, lawyers, doctors, students, traders and heads of various institutions to promote awareness of human rights and address public concerns.

Shunty said that hospitals cannot detain patients or refuse to hand over the bodies of deceased persons. Such acts amount to violations of human rights and may lead to the registration of an FIR and strict action. He said every hospital should have a mortuary and an ambulance facility.

During the public hearing, complaints related to the police, the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO), the Health Department and the Municipal Council were heard, and directions were issued to the concerned departments for appropriate action.

The Punjab State Human Rights Commission has constituted core groups in every district, comprising social activists, lawyers and experts. These groups will monitor human-rights violations and help resolve minor complaints at the local level. A WhatsApp helpline, 98554-75547, is available round the clock for people to register complaints.

Shunty reiterated that no hospital can refuse to hand over the body of a deceased person on the grounds that the treatment bill has not been paid. He said the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued orders in this regard. A copy of the orders was provided to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), and hospitals have been directed to display posters informing the public about these instructions. Any violation may result in the registration of an FIR.

He further said that ignoring complaints raised by local residents and failure by housing societies to fulfil their promises may also amount to human-rights violations. The Commission can take suo motu notice of such matters.

Shunty appreciated the NGOs and volunteers who have been extending assistance during the anti-drug campaign and natural disasters.

Those present included Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Dr Amandeep Kaur, Zira SDM Suraj, State Core Committee member Bhola Singh Virk, SP (H) Baljit Singh, Zira Tehsildar Vinod Kumar, Makhu Naib Tehsildar Parampal Singh, and core group members Gurnam Sidhu, Narinder Singh Kesar, Amarjit Kaur Chhabra, Baba Satnam Singh Vallian, Gurnoor Brar, Aman Maunga and Ramandeep Kaur, along with Tota Singh. Representatives of NGOs, departmental officials and employees, and other dignitaries were also present.