The Manipur State Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has informed the director of Social Welfare department to invite different stakeholders before finalising the draft of ‘standard of operating procedure’ of drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, and also notified to submit his report on the action taken on or before September 4, 2020.
A release issued on Tuesday by Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE) has stated that MHRC had issued the said order on August 10 following the complaint filed by CoNE and USER Manipur.
It said that due to lack of specific protocol for drug de-addiction and rehab centres, many untoward instances are occurring relentlessly in privately run rehab centres.
Concerning the serious matter, CoNE and USER Manipur had urged MHRC to direct the concerned department to organise state level consultation by inviting various stakeholders including representatives from community based organisations and private rehabilitation centres, said the release.
It further stated that the complaint was made to ensure that the authority concerned seeks feedback on the first draft of the ‘State Specific Minimum Standard Protocol for Drug De-Addiction Centre’ before its finalisation.
The release said that MHRC has taken serious note of the complaint which was registered as MHRC Complaint Case 108 of 2020 under section 12 of Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, and it was directed to the director of Social Welfare department.
CoNE in its proceeding mentioned that the complainants have earlier filed a writ petition with PIL No. 32 of 2020 at the High Court of Manipur to regulate the private rehab centres existing in the state, it added.
It further said that the High Court had passed a judgement directing the respondents to frame a regulation within three months. The second complaint was made to MHRC after the High Court passed its judgement and the authorities concerned had notified of the court’s ruling on July 24 to expedite the directive of the court, it added.
CoNE and USER Manipur would be filing a contempt case if the direction of the court is not complied with during the stipulated time, said the release.
