
Author: Sanjay Panthi
One example of a human rights case study in Nepal is the case of Bhagat Singh. Bhagat Singh was a Dalit man who was arrested and charged with theft in 2003. Despite the lack of evidence, he was beaten and tortured by the police and eventually forced to sign a confession. Bhagat Singh was denied access to a lawyer and was not allowed to contact his family.
In 2009, the National Dalit Commission, a human rights organization in Nepal, took up Bhagat Singh’s case and filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission. The National Human Rights Commission conducted an investigation and found that Bhagat Singh’s rights had been violated, including the right to a fair trial and the prohibition of torture.
Despite the findings of the National Human Rights Commission, Bhagat Singh was not released from prison and was denied compensation. In 2011, the National Dalit Commission and Bhagat Singh’s family filed a complaint with the Supreme Court of Nepal. The Supreme Court ordered Bhagat Singh’s release and compensation for the violations of his rights.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of police abuse and torture in Nepal, particularly for marginalized communities like Dalits. It also highlights the importance of human rights organizations and the role they play in advocating for justice and accountability.