Justice Mishra: Misuse of Cyberspace, violating sovereignty, integrity of country, public order, decency and morality.

New Delhi, Dec 10 (UNI) National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairperson Justice Arun Mishra said freedom of speech is the most cherished right but its extent in Cyber space needs to be debated in the context of apprehension on its misuse.
In the Human Rights Day celebration program organized by NHRC in Delhi, on Friday, President Ram Nath Kovind was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
Justice Mishra said that the freedom of speech is the most cherished value and fundamental right to be protected. However, the extent of freedom of cyber space both online and offline is a matter of debate, as it has fuelled grave apprehension of its misuse, violating the sovereignty, integrity of the country, public order, decency and morality.
Justice Mishra said the ‘State’ is bound to provide facility to reach the minimum standards of health, education and economic opportunities. Each individual must share power, material, resources and opportunities without discrimination to achieve harmonious society. Tolerance and inclusion are non-negotiable human rights.
He said that it is necessary to provide remedy to the victims of unfair economic structure and business related human rights violations. Besides, all individuals have the bare minimum right to a safe, clean, healthy environment. He said that our fundamental duty is to proactively save the environment, forest, flora and fauna to strengthen our ‘National Climatic Policy’.
Acknowledging the contribution of India to humanity during the Covid-19 Pandemic, he said that health coverage to all at affordable cost is a facet of the right to life. The world community needs to take a prompt collective action to ensure that the right of patent holders must succumb to the right to life.
Justice Mishra said that the recovery from the Pandemic is an opportunity to ensure a more inclusive society, wherein even small vendors do not starve and the digital divide is overcome.
Justice Mishra said the rule of law requires the delivery of speedy justice. We must avoid imprisonment of a suspect without trial. There is no room for fake encounters. The Government is accountable to its people. The functioning of the Commission is bridging gaps, ironing out the creases and helping in good governance by providing motions.
On the occasion, three NHRC publications were also released. These included Hindi and English Journals carrying articles on various human rights issues by the experts and a report on ‘Women’s Rights in India’.