BHUBANESWAR: Chief Justice of Orissa High Court V Gopalagowda on Saturday expressed concern over custodial deaths and said police must be more people-friendly. Addressing the World Human Rights Day function, organised by the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) here, Gopalagowda said the police force has some of the top brains, but it must adopt friendly approach too. Drastic reform measures are required or people will lose confidence in cops, he said, adding that lock-up deaths are also a liability on the State exchequer.Stating that police officers need periodical training, he said police stations must be places where people can walk in without any apprehension and get their grievances redressed.Gopalagowda said the humane approach of police also applies to jails. Expressing concern over the plight of overcrowded prisons, he said jail inmates must be treated with compassion. Jail reforms must not remain confined to books.Parole is not enough for the inmates who should be allowed more companionship with their families. To bring in such reform measures, public opinion should be created, Gopalagowda added.The Chief Justice dealt at length on the issue of inequality and how it eventually leads to violation of human rights. Lack of opportunity leads to absence of equality. Similarly, absence of opportunity also affects right to public employment. These issues are all inter-related. “So long as inequality is prevalent, blatant violation of human rights will take place,” he said.Gopalagowda also voiced his concern over farmer suicides and starvation deaths, saying it is danger for democracy and strong public opinion must be created against such trends.Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson of OHRC Justice R K Patra said there has been a rise in the complaints the commission has been receiving. From 2,241 complaints last year, the panel has received 2,708 reports this year, which indicates that awareness is spreading. Justice Patra also echoed the views of the Chief Justice over custodial deaths and jail reforms and said police have been oppressive in certain cases.On the occasion, the commission honoured two persons for their contribution to the cause of human rights. Gokula Nanda Pauley, a primary teacher who has been giving scholarships to 30 students from his pension fund, and Madhaba Chandra Sahoo, a DSP-ranked officer who has investigated violation cases with diligence and objectivity, received a citation, a shawl and `10,000 each from the Chief Justice.Among others, OHRC member R N Bohidar, registrar C R Mohapatra and Director (investigation) G B Mallick also spoke.
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