Chandigarh, April 2
Justice Sant Parkash, a former judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, has taken over as chairperson of the Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) in Chandigarh. Sharing details in its official communication, the commission described the reappointment as recognition of his work in strengthening the protection of human rights in Punjab and Chandigarh over the past three years.
During his previous tenure, the commission said it handled around 31,000 cases and disposed of a similar number, which it said reflected timely action and an emphasis on quicker delivery of justice. It added that more than 300 cases were taken up suo motu in matters of wider public concern, underlining what it described as a proactive approach to human rights issues.
Under Justice Sant Parkash’s leadership, the PSHRC also issued recommendations on several sensitive and high-profile matters. These included concerns over uranium contamination in Chandigarh and parts of Punjab, as well as repeated dog-bite incidents and broader public safety issues. The commission said a number of important guidelines were also framed during his tenure. These covered the dignified handling of the dead, improvements in ambulance and emergency response services, and better safety, dignity and working conditions for safai karamcharis.
Justice Sant Parkash also carried out visits to nearly all district and central jails in Punjab and Chandigarh, along with inspections of several police stations, as part of efforts to strengthen oversight of public institutions, the commission said.
Special attention was also given to the rights of vulnerable groups. The commission said he had taken an active interest in the welfare of people with mental disabilities, including repeated visits to the Government Mental Hospital in Amritsar.
It added that he had also raised issues concerning visually impaired people and made key welfare-related recommendations for them. Another notable intervention during his term involved pushing for the implementation of fire safety systems in educational institutions across Chandigarh.
The commission said it expected to continue its work with renewed focus under Justice Sant Parkash’s leadership in the coming years.
