The New Universe of Human Rights

This book is a companion volume of the earlier 'New Dimensions of Justice'.During his tenure as the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Justice J.S. Verma was faced with several unusual situations eroding the human dignity of individuals as well as groups of people. Intervention of the NHRC depended on the involvement of human rights issues in them, and in turn on the true scope of human rights to legitimize the intervention. The perception that 'human dignity is the quintessence of human rights' enabled and justified those interventions. Linkage between human rights, development and democracy understood as 'inclusive' democracy is the basis of State responsibility for the protection of human rights of all within its jurisdiction. The contents of this book reveal this perception of Justice Verma and the link between human rights and governance reflected in his speeches and articles. It will also explain the interventions and the stand of the NHRC on many important issues during his tenure. The doubt in the minds of a few about the true role of the NHRC, it is hoped will be cleared.The book is intended to enable the reader to better appreciate the proactive role of the NHRC during the tenure of Justice J.S. Verma as its Chairperson, influenced by the 'New Universe of Human Rights' envisioned by him.