Human Rights in Indian Perspective
Human Rights in Indian Perspective, edited by Saransh Chaturvedi, offers a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental principles, challenges, and evolving frameworks surrounding human rights in India. Beyond merely cataloging legal provisions, the book provides an in-depth analysis of how human rights are conceptualized, protected, and contested within the Indian socio-political context. It situates India’s human rights discourse within both domestic and international frameworks, highlighting the dynamic relationship between law, society, governance, and global human rights trends.
The book begins with a broad discussion of human rights in general, examining their philosophical, ethical, and legal foundations. It explores the evolution of human rights concepts, the moral imperatives that underpin them, and the ways in which societies recognize and institutionalize these rights. This foundational analysis provides readers with a clear understanding of why human rights are integral to justice, equality, and social cohesion, setting the stage for more specialized discussions within the Indian context.
One of the focal areas of the book is child rights, emphasizing the legal and social frameworks designed to protect children from exploitation, neglect, and abuse. The discussions highlight the vulnerabilities faced by children across socioeconomic strata, including access to education, healthcare, and safe living conditions. By examining legislative measures, enforcement mechanisms, and gaps in implementation, the book underscores the ongoing struggle to ensure that every child can grow in an environment that respects their dignity and potential.
Ethno-religious conflicts are addressed as a persistent challenge in India’s diverse society. The book analyses the socio-political and historical factors contributing to communal tensions, the impact on human rights, and the role of law and policy in mitigating conflicts. Through careful exploration of case studies and legal responses, readers gain insight into how human rights principles can guide peaceful coexistence, social harmony, and reconciliation in multi-ethnic and multi-religious contexts.
The theme of privacy rights reflects the growing importance of personal autonomy in the digital age. The book examines constitutional protections, emerging legal standards, and the challenges posed by technological advancements, surveillance, and data collection. It highlights how safeguarding privacy is central to individual liberty, dignity, and freedom, and explores the balance between state interests and personal rights in contemporary India.
Cruelty is explored in the context of protecting vulnerable populations, including women, children, and marginalized communities. The book examines how legal instruments against cruelty, abuse, and exploitation operate, their effectiveness, and the societal attitudes that influence enforcement. This theme reinforces the book’s broader commitment to understanding law as a tool for social justice and human dignity.
Human trafficking is addressed as a critical issue affecting India and the region, with significant human rights implications. The book provides an analysis of the factors driving trafficking, the experiences of victims, and the role of legislation, law enforcement, and civil society in combating this exploitation. By highlighting both challenges and successes, it presents a nuanced view of human rights protections in practice.
The book also situates Indian human rights discourse within international frameworks, exploring treaties, conventions, and global standards. It emphasizes India’s obligations under international law, the influence of global human rights movements, and the ways in which international norms intersect with domestic policies. This perspective enables readers to appreciate the broader context in which India’s human rights policies are formulated and implemented.
While these themes provide structure, Human Rights in Indian Perspective extends beyond them to explore the larger questions of justice, equality, dignity, and the role of institutions in protecting vulnerable populations. It engages with contemporary debates, such as the balance between security and liberty, the challenges of minority rights, the impact of globalization on social justice, and the responsibilities of the state and civil society in safeguarding human dignity.
Through this wide-ranging exploration, the book offers a holistic understanding of human rights in India, combining legal analysis, social insight, and practical perspectives. It is an invaluable resource for students, researchers, practitioners, and socially conscious readers seeking to engage deeply with the principles, challenges, and opportunities inherent in promoting and protecting human rights in India and beyond.