PUDR

Pudr, commonly known by its acronym PUDR, stands for the People’s Union for Democratic Rights. It is an Indian non-governmental organization focused on civil liberties and human rights. The organization emphasizes monitoring abuses, defending due process, and promoting democratic rights through documentation, legal advocacy, and policy research.

PUDR conducts field fact-finding missions, collects testimonies, and compiles reports on rights violations in various contexts, including policing, detention, prisons, freedom of expression, and minority and gender rights. It publishes briefings, engages with courts to support public interest litigation or legal aid, and advocates with government agencies, human rights bodies, and international organizations. PUDR often collaborates with other civil society groups, researchers, and activists to amplify investigations and campaigns.

Historically, PUDR emerged within the broader Indian civil liberties movement in the late 20th century, positioning itself as a watchdog and reform advocate within a network of rights organizations. It operates as a non-profit organization with a mix of volunteers and professional staff and relies on a combination of donations, grants, and project funding to sustain its work.

Impact and reception: PUDR’s reports have contributed to public discourse on rights abuses, informed policy debates, and supported accountability efforts in some cases. Like other human rights organizations, it faces challenges common to non-profits, including resource constraints and the need to maintain rigor and impartiality in its investigations.