‘Killing by Naxals is cruelty... security personnel and officials too have families’

On civil society and human rights activists raising a noise when Naxals are killed in police encounters but remaining silent when Naxals kill civilians and take government officials hostage:

The killing by Naxalites is cruelty. Lack of development can't be an excuse for murder. The murder of the guards of the district magistrate who was kidnapped is cruelty. Security forces and officials working in Naxal areas are doing their duty. They too have families, and there are serious violations of their human rights. Most come from ordinary families. There is no justification for their abduction or wanton killings.

On the death penalty:

Personally and speaking for the commission, I can't support the death penalty. It is cruel. But look at the scenario in the country. As per 2010 figures, of the 1.10 lakh persons who are in jail for offences under the Indian Penal Code, 66 per cent are undergoing life or facing death (death penalty cases are only 2.5 per cent) for murders. Of undertrials, 58.1 per cent are facing trial for murder. Just consider how many murders are being committed. I don't think so many murders happen in any other civilised country. The death penalty has a deterrent effect and if it is taken out of statutes, it may have the wrong effect. Are we civilised enough to do away with the death penalty?

On India's NHRC retaining its 'A' status with the United Nations despite some NGOs having lobbied for a downgrade:

There were just some objections regarding membership of the commission. They were saying minorities, women, Scheduled Castes, etc are not part of the commission. They also said officers working in the commission are from the government. We informed them that there are separate statutory commissions in India for these sections. We told them if we don't like the officers we can seek replacements. These were minor objections that had no basis. We were never in doubt that NHRC would retain its 'A' status. If India is not entitled to 'A' status, which country is?

... contd.