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H.R.1802 / 105th Congress

Human Rights in India Act

Referred to the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jun 5, 1997

Human Rights in India Act - Prohibits development assistance for India for any fiscal year unless the President certifies to the Congress that the Government of India: (1) has released all prisoners of conscience; (2) ensures that all political prisoners are brought to trial promptly and fairly and have access to legal counsel and family members; (3) has eliminated the practice of torture by the military and police forces; (4) impartially investigates all allegations of torture and deaths of individuals in custody; (5) has established to the best of its ability the fate or whereabouts of all political detainees who have disappeared; (6) brings to justice promptly members of the military and police forces responsible for torturing or improperly treating prisoners; (7) permits citizens who are critical of such Government to travel abroad and return to India; (8) ensures that human rights monitors are not targeted for arrest or harassment by the military and police forces; (9) permits human rights organizations and television, film, and print media full access to all states in India where significant human rights problems exist; (10) has investigated allegations of cremations of Sikhs who have died in police custody and has made every effort to bring those responsible to justice; and (11) has repealed certain special and preventive detention laws. Waives such prohibition if such waiver is in the national security interest.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Burton, Dan [R-IN-6] · R–IN

Committees

  • Foreign Affairs Committee
15 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific.

  2. Referred to the House Committee on International Relations.

  3. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1145)

  4. Introduced in House

  5. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Aug 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

Explore the bill from different angles

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.1802 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.1802 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.1802 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.1802 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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