Evaluating Human Rights Compliance within India’s Contemporary Legal Framework

Published: 13 February 2024

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.63345/ijrhs.net.v12.i2.1

Shalu Jain

  Research Scholar

Department of Law

Maharaja Agrasen Himalayan Garhwal Univeristy

Pokhra, Pauri Garhwal, Uttrakhand, India

Dr. Vijay Kumar

Research Supervisor

Department of Law

Maharaja Agrasen Himalayan Garhwal Univeristy

Pokhra, Pauri Garhwal, Uttrakhand, India

Abstract— Human rights constitute a fundamental component of democratic governance, constitutionalism, and the rule of law. India possesses an extensive legal framework for the protection and promotion of human rights through constitutional guarantees, statutory provisions, judicial remedies, and commitments under international human rights instruments. This study evaluates human rights compliance within India’s contemporary legal framework by examining constitutional provisions, international obligations, judicial interpretations, and institutional mechanisms. The research adopts a doctrinal methodology based on the analysis of primary legal sources, including the Constitution of India, legislation, judicial decisions, and international human rights conventions, along with relevant academic literature. The study finds that India has established a robust constitutional foundation for safeguarding civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. Judicial activism and public interest litigation have significantly expanded the scope of rights protection. However, challenges continue to emerge in areas such as preventive detention, national security legislation, custodial violence, delays in justice delivery, and the implementation of human rights protections for vulnerable and marginalized groups. The study concludes that while India’s legal framework demonstrates substantial conformity with international human rights standards, effective compliance requires stronger institutional accountability, improved enforcement mechanisms, and a balanced approach between national security and civil liberties. Strengthening these measures can enhance the realization of human rights and reinforce democratic governance in India.

Keywords— Human Rights, Constitutional Law, Human Rights Compliance, Fundamental Rights, Judicial Activism, International Human Rights Law, National Human Rights Commission, India.

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