A/HRC/21/10 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its thirteenth session from 21 May to 4 June 2012. The review of India was held at the 8th meeting on 24 May 2012. The delegation of India was headed by Goolam E. Vahanvati, Attorney General of India. At its 13th meeting, held on 30 May 2012, the Working Group adopted the report on India. 2. On 3 May 2012, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of India: Kuwait, Mauritius and Mexico. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 16/21 of 25 March 2011, the following documents were issued for the review of India: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/13/IND/1); (b) A compilation prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/13/IND/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/13/IND/3; and Corr.1). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to India through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the UPR. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. The delegation of India stated that India saw the universal periodic review (UPR) mechanism as one of constructive engagement. The fact that the delegation consisted of experts from various ministries of the Central Government bore testimony to India’s commitment to this process. 6. The delegation outlined the methodology used in the preparation of the National Report which included an extensive and inclusive consultation process involving various Ministries of the Government, experts and civil society. The report was posted on the website and made accessible to the general public. Ranbir Singh, Vice-Chancellor of National Law University, Delhi, was given the task of preparing this report with the extensive involvement of various stakeholders. 7. The annexures in the national report highlighted the evolution of fundamental rights in India’s Constitution through judicial pronouncements over the years. This reflected a vibrant and evolving Constitution, which placed human rights in the forefront of governance. 8. The delegation highlighted some significant developments in the field of human rights. The Right to Information Act (RTI) had revolutionized the concept of good governance. Several seminal laws brought in a rights-based approach to subjects which were fundamental to human existence, inter alia, work and employment, education and food 3