Human Rights Day: 10 timely interventions by Supreme Court, high courts against violations

Every individual is entitled to basic human rights, which are inherent to all persons, irrespective of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. These rights belong to everyone without discrimination.

Here are 10 occasions when courts timely intervened, by not only invoking relevant laws and legal provisions, but also by compensating victims of such violations.

Caste based discrimination in prisons

The Supreme Court, on October 3, 2024, struck down a series of rules in several state prison manuals which “reinforce caste differences” and target members of marginalised communities, especially those dubbed “criminal tribes” in the colonial era for violating the fundamental rights of the prisoners.

Toilet facilities for all

In January, the Supreme Court