Human Rights Commission issues notice to the Director General of Police; seeks action report within 3 days

Issue related to opposition to the ‘Sunburn Festival’ in Mumbai
A memorandum had been submitted to the Human Rights Commission by the Nashavirodhi Abhiyan (Anti-Drug Campaign)!

Mumbai – The Human Rights Commission (the National Human Rights Commission – NHRC) on September 13 issued a notice to the Director General of Police of Maharashtra regarding the ‘Sunburn Festival’ scheduled to be held in Mumbai from December 19 to 21. The notice states that ‘the health and safety of the youth participating in this festival could be at risk. Looking at the history of this festival, there is a possibility of violations of the law related to drug consumption and criminal activities.’ The bench headed by NHRC Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo took cognisance of the complaint submitted by the Nashavirodhi Abhiyan and issued the said notice.

The memorandum stated that:

1. Under the Nashavirodhi Abhiyan, there is large-scale opposition to this festival, and a letter in this regard had been submitted to the Human Rights Commission.

2. Mumbai is already vulnerable from the perspective of drug networks, and during the Sunburn Festival, the exchange and circulation of narcotic substances increases.

3. In Sunburn Festival events held in Goa and Pune, incidents of drug consumption and related deaths and other crimes have occurred.

4. Therefore, the Human Rights Commission should take note of this and issue orders for strict vigilance.

In the memorandum, the Anti-Drug Campaign requested verification and enforcement of measures such as checking for narcotic substances, increasing CCTV surveillance, preventing the entry of minors into the festival, taking action against drug peddlers, enhancing security in restrooms, and acting against drunken driving, among other measures.

Human Rights Commission seeks details of measures taken to monitor and control drug peddlers

Following the memorandum by the Anti-Drug Campaign, the Human Rights Commission has issued this notice to the Director General of Police under Section 12 of the 1993 Act stating, ‘if the crimes associated with the ‘Sunburn Festival’ are found to be true, they would amount to a ‘violation of the right to life and security’.

The Commission has sought information from the Director General of Police primarily on the measures taken to stop the use of illegal substances, the steps taken to monitor and control drug peddlers and the actions undertaken to ensure that minors are not granted entry. Additionally, the Commission has sought confirmation from those granting permission for the festival (i.e., the concerned government departments) regarding the removal of the objectionable issues raised in this context.

The Commission stated that the complaint has been filed to enable appropriate action and reiterated that the report must be submitted within the stipulated time frame.

Serious matter exposed by a representative of Sanatan Prabhat

The festival has caused a loss of ₹60,55,383 in minor mineral excavation revenue. In addition, the State Government’s Revenue Department has not collected stamp duty from the Sunburn Festival for as many as seven years. Despite not recovering stamp duty and penalties amounting to a total of ₹1,12,45,206, various government departments have once again granted permission for the tax-defaulter Sunburn Festival to be held in Mumbai. This serious matter has been exposed by a representative of Sanatan Prabhat.