Haryana human rights panel issues show cause notice to Faridabad DC, Municipal Commissioner in 3 contempt cases

Commission’s member Deep Bhatia, while passing the order, emphasised that “non-compliance with commission directives not only amounts to contempt of law but also obstructs justice for the aggrieved individuals”.

The rights panel pulled up the district administration for not taking effective measures for constructing an alternative road in Bukharpur village, where the villagers are facing issues due to dilapidated roads.

“Indraraj Singh, a resident of village Bukharpur, tehsil Ballabgarh, has stated in his complaint number 153/3/2025 that the main access road to his village is in a severely dilapidated condition, causing great inconvenience to the villagers. The situation is so dire that they are forced to travel through a neighbouring village to reach their destination,” stated HHRC.

The commission stated that the deputy commissioner, executive engineer (PWD – B&R), and block development and panchayat officer (Tigaon) were instructed multiple times to submit a report, but to no avail. Despite a formal letter issued by the DC on May 16 to the officers concerned, the officer appeared before the commission.

Giving details about the cases, the HHRCs stated that, “This indicates a careless and casual approach towards a serious human rights matter”.

It added that the problem in Singh’s village worsens significantly during the rainy season, creating serious difficulties for students, the elderly, and the sick. “The complaint also mentions that he has submitted several requests to the administration for the construction of an alternative road, but no effective action has been taken so far,” it said.

In the case regarding Faridabad Municipal Corporation, the HHRC stated that the civic body failed to take any effective action against environmental violations by industrial units and the improper disposal of polluted water.

It issued the order based on a complaint by Deepak Tripathi, a resident of Kapda Colony, NIT Faridabad, who alleged that pollution is causing an adverse impact on public health.

“Similarly, in two other cases (Complaint Nos. 436/3/2023 and 198/3/2023), no officer from the Faridabad Municipal Corporation appeared or submitted any status report, despite clear directives from the Commission. On April 22, 2025, the Commission had specifically ordered that a senior official must appear in person with the latest report and any relevant court orders. These instructions were also ignored,” the commission said.

The HHRC also issued show cause notice to the Municipal Corporation in another complaint by Rohtas, a resident of Sanjay Colony, Faridabad (No. 436/3/2023), who pointed to an illegal industrial activity being carried out in a residential area. “This not only causes environmental pollution but also adversely affects the health, safety, and peace of the residents. The complainant has requested the Haryana Human Rights Commission to intervene urgently and ensure appropriate action is taken”, the order cited.

“Given these repeated lapses, the Commission has issued show cause notices to both the Deputy Commissioner and the Municipal Commissioner of Faridabad under Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, asking them to explain why a fine of Rs 20,000 per case should not be imposed on them for wilful disobedience. The Commission has directed the officials concerned or their authorised representatives to appear personally and present the required reports on the next hearing dates,” said Dr Puneet Arora, Protocol, Information & Public Relations Officer of HHRC.

The next hearings are scheduled for September 22 (for the Municipal Corporation cases) and October 8 (for the district administration case).