The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has stepped in to investigate a serious case of alleged discrimination and inhuman treatment against a critically ill resident in a Gurgaon affordable housing society. The commission has directed the district administration to conduct a thorough probe and provide immediate relief to the complainant, who requires frequent dialysis.
Society Staff Denies Essential Facility to Ailing Resident
Jai Prakash, a resident of GLS Avenue in Sector 92, Gurgaon, has accused the staff of his housing society of subjecting him to mental harassment. Prakash, who suffers from end-stage renal disease with 100% damage to both kidneys, alleged that the society management repeatedly denied him permission to park his vehicle inside the society premises. This denial came despite his severe medical condition, which necessitates dialysis three times a week.
He claimed that the parking facility, which was allowed for a brief period earlier, is now selectively granted only to favoured residents or those who offer illegal gratification. Prakash resides in the society with his wife, a private school teacher who is the family's sole earning member, and their two minor daughters aged 11 and 3 years.
A Struggle for Dignity Amid Failing Health
Due to his deteriorating health, Prakash experiences frequent dizziness, has difficulty walking, and has even fainted on several occasions. He and his wife made numerous appeals to the society staff, explaining that walking long distances from an outside parking spot was "extremely difficult" for him. However, their pleas were ignored.
The situation reached a critical point when Prakash fainted while walking back to his home after parking his vehicle outside. Shockingly, the society staff remained indifferent and offered no assistance during this medical emergency. This incident underscored the grave risk the policy posed to his life.
HHRC's Stern Directive for Justice and Safety
After exhausting all options within the society, Jai Prakash approached the HHRC seeking urgent intervention. Taking a strong view of the matter, HHRC member (Judicial) Kuldip Jain issued an order last week. The commission prima facie found that the complainant, dependent on regular dialysis, was subjected to mental harassment, discrimination, and inhuman treatment.
Terming the denial as "discriminatory and violative of the right to life with dignity," the HHRC appointed the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Gurgaon as the nodal officer in the case. The DC has been directed to ensure immediate relief for Prakash and to get the matter inquired into by a senior and responsible gazetted officer.
Furthermore, the HHRC has directed the Commissioner of Police to ensure that the complainant and his family are not subjected to "any kind of harassment, pressure, or threat in the future." The rights panel has demanded an action-taken report from the DC before the next hearing scheduled for February 18.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by persons with disabilities and critical illnesses in residential complexes, where a lack of empathy and adherence to rules can severely impact their right to a dignified life.
