What are the Human Rights issues involved in relation to the arrest of M. Karunanidhi in Tamil Nadu in July 2001?

Due to political reasons, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M. Karunanidhi was arrested in Tamil Nadu in July, 2001, which created major political issue in the country giving rise to various types of debates, involving questions ranging from issues of Human Rights, Parliamentary privileges, Involvement of the Governor, revenge politics, etc.

Karunanidhi was arrested in the time of night in derogatory manner. He was not accused of any serious offence necessitating such method of arrest, so it was basically a political act. Even those Cabinet Ministers of centre who came to rescue the matter were detained under sight arrest.

Under the Human Rights Declaration, 1948 a person cannot be arrested without following proper procedures. The issue is debated by Human Rights activists. Parliamentary privilege is also violated and so centre-state relations have also been in debate.


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