Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Dec 11: Speaking at a programme organized by the local Bar Association at the district court complex here on the occasion of the World Human Rights Day, retired state High Court Judge Justice M F Saldanha expressed his anguish at the collapse of the law and order machinery in Dakshina Kannada district. He added that he could identify this phenomenon through various happenings and examples in the district.

"The forcible implementation of the special economic zone (SEZ), attack on churches and incidents of pruning down and snatching away of rights of the people in the district have been worrying me. The land mafia in the district and the police set up has been jointly depriving the people of even their fundamental rights," he lamented.

In the name of special economic zone, fertile agricultural lands have been acquired. Muscle power is being used to silence the farmers. Only a part of the media is bringing out sordid details of such incidents, while the remaining media is muted through lures from the SEZ. This is a clear violation of law and human rights, Saldanha reasoned.

He also said that the district level lawyers and judges have an added responsibility of protecting human rights, as about 80% of the cases get settled at the district level courts.

Second Additional District Sessions Judge Hanchatte Sanjeev Kumar presided. Kasturi rendered prayer. Bar Association president S P Chengappa welcomed. General secretary Eshwar Kottary proposed vote of thanks. Asha Nayak presented the programme.