PUCL advocates for the rights of marginalized communities | Fight against discrimination, police brutality, and other forms of injustice.
PUCL stands for People’s Union for Civil Liberties. It’s a non-governmental organization (NGO) based in India that focuses on the protection of civil liberties and human rights. PUCL was founded in 1976 by a group of activists, lawyers, and intellectuals concerned about the erosion of civil liberties in India during the period of emergency rule.
Since its inception, PUCL has been actively involved in advocating for the rights of marginalized communities, fighting against discrimination, police brutality, and other forms of injustice. They conduct research, advocacy, and legal interventions to promote human rights and ensure accountability of government authorities.
PUCL operates through a network of chapters across India and collaborates with other civil society organizations and international human rights bodies to address issues of common concern. They often take up cases of human rights violations, provide legal aid to victims, and engage in public awareness campaigns to mobilize support for their cause.
FORMATION OF AD-HOC COMMITTEE OF PUCL – DAKSHINA KANNADA DISTRICT UNIT
A four-member team constituted by the PUCL National Executive, consisting of Dr. V. Suresh, National General Secretary, Mr. S. Balamurugan, National Secretary, Mr. Arvind Narrain, President and Mr. Shujayathulla, General Secretary, PUCL Karnataka state unit visited Mangalore on 8th and 9th of March 2024. The visit was to meet with old, current and former members of PUCL DK/Mangalore unit with a view to examining the possibility of reviving the Dakshina Kannada District Unit which has not been functional for a few years. All the people who met the National team clearly conveyed to the team that there was a pressing need to reactivate the Dakshina Kannada unit of the PUCL, because of the serious human rights situation in the district. During the meeting held on 9th March, 2024, there was unanimity amongst all persons who participated in the discussions that it was important for all district unit members to work unitedly and harmoniously to strengthen the PUCL DK District unit.
This feeling of the deep need for a strong unit in Dakshina Kannada was shared widely across the district membership. On the part of the National team, the support of the PUCL Karnataka state unit and the National Office Bearers was assured to help streamline the activities to bring it in consonance with the PUCL Constitution and procedures and to assist, support and guide the District unit to work cohesively and unitedly.
Considering both the need in Dakshina Kannada for an organization focused on human rights as well as the interests expressed by the members of PUCL in Dakshina Kannada, it was unanimously resolved in the meeting held on 09th March, 2024 to constitute an Ad-hoc Committee comprising the following members to take forward the work of reviving and activating PUCL – Dakshina Kannada District unit in accordance with the PUCL Constitution. 1. Mr. T.R. Bhat, Convener 2. Mr. Kishore Atavar 3. Mr. Joshi Sathyananda 4. Mr. Colin D’Silva 5. Mr. Mohammed Hanif. U The members of the national and state units wish the Dakshina Kannada Ad-hoc committee all the best in their important efforts to defend human rights and uphold the Indian Constitution in Dakshina Kannada.
