Indian companies and the issue of Human Rights

At a time when India is gradually emerging a strong global player the issue of Human Rights in Indian Companies cannot be ignored. Companies are ‘legal persons’, having all the rights available to human beings except the right to vote. The companies are expected to take adequate care of all stakeholders be they employees, customers, shareholders, investors etc. The recent trend towards liberalization, privatization and globalization has resulted in a mad chase to earn profits at whatever cost. The protection of basic human rights seems to have taken a back seat. Despite the fact that countries all over the world advocate for globalisation by enacting business-friendly' policy changes. Nations are increasingly attempting to attract foreign direct investment. A debate appears to be raging over whether recent globalisation initiatives have resulted in truly inclusive development and whether the rights of various stakeholders have been adequately protected. Various case studies conducted by the United Nations and other world bodies clearly show that such efforts have resulted in the "undermining of human rights protection and realisation.