New Delhi, November 19
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) today came out openly against the Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance (POTO) and said any law for combating terrorism should be consistent with the Constitution.
The commission, which had earlier opposed the continuation of TADA and draft of the Prevention of Terrorism Bill last year, said its opinion in respect of POTO, was the same as its earlier stand on the issue and its opposition to promulgating such law remained unchanged.
“Undoubtably, national security is of paramount importance. Without protecting the safety and security of the nation, individual rights cannot be protected. However, the worth of a nation is the worth of the individuals constituting it. The Article 21, which guarantees life with dignity is non-derogable,’’ it said.
Both national integrity as well as individual dignity were core values in the Constitution and were compatible and not inconsistent, the NHRC felt and stressed the need for balancing the two.
“Any law for combating terrorism should be consistent with the Constitution, the relevant international instruments and treaties and respect the principles of necessity and proportionality. The NHRC, therefore, reiterates its earlier views in respect to the ordinance also.’’
UNI
