Punjab State Human Rights Commission Chairman releases WhatsApp number for lodging human rights violation complaints
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ March 1,2026
Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) member Padma Shri Jitender Singh Shunty held an open public hearing camp in Patiala today to promote human rights awareness and address citizens’ grievances. He emphasized that the Commission is working across the state to reach people at their doorstep and ensure the protection of victims’ human rights while delivering timely justice.
Shunty released the Commission’s WhatsApp helpline 9855475547, urging citizens to report any human rights violation in writing so that prompt action—within two days—can be ensured.
At the District Administrative Complex, Shunty convened a key meeting with ADC Urban Development Navreet Kaur Sekhon, SP City Palvinder Singh Cheema, Central Jail Superintendent Gurcharan Singh Dhaliwal, and officials from the Municipal Corporation, Health Department, Rural Development & Panchayats, PSPCL, and other key departments. Representatives of Patiala-based NGOs also participated, and complaints from affected individuals were heard.
Shunty announced that the Commission is forming 15-member core groups in all districts, including local social service organization representatives, which will work as district-level branch of the Commission in each district to ensure swift justice for victims. He said Punjab will become the first state in the country to form such core groups. Earlier, he made a surprise inspection at Government Rajindra Hospital, reviewing emergency services, ambulance facilities, and other key aspects.
The Commission member issued necessary directions to departmental officials to strengthen human rights protection and sought suggestions from NGOs. On behalf of Deputy Commissioner Varjit Walia, ADC Navreet Kaur Sekhon, on behalf of SSP Varun Sharma, SP Palvinder Singh Cheema, and Municipal Corporation Joint Commissioner Manreet Rana assured full compliance with Commission directives. Member of the Minority Commission Islam Ali and Secretary of the member Baldev Singh, along with various NGO representatives, were present.
Jitender Singh Shunty praised the Patiala District Administration for its work and urged authorities to remain vigilant in ensuring justice. Appreciating NGOs, he also encouraged the administration to continue supporting these social service organizations.
He stated that the guidelines issued by the Punjab and Chandigarh Human Rights Commission must be implemented—no government or private hospital can withhold a patient or deceased body due to unpaid bills. Hospitals must also provide proper mortuary facilities and ambulance van services.
Orders have also been issued to ensure support for the cremation or burial of unidentified or economically weak individuals. Instructions include providing mortuary boxes in villages, supplying safety gear—shoes, gloves, sanitizers—to sanitation workers, and ensuring insurance facilities. Police have also been directed to provide pilot vehicles for ambulances transporting critical patients upon dialing 112.
Referring to the 1947 massacres, the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, and the 1984 Sikh genocide, Shunty said victims in those tragedies were denied justice due to the absence of human rights commissions—something that will not be allowed to happen now.
