Few ideas have engaged the thought of philosophers for so great a length of time and occupied a momentous place in its history as the idea of human rights and human moral obligations. Much has been written on almost every aspect of these two ideas, so, in a sense, this book, which addresses questions concerning the concepts of human rights and human obligations, the relations between them, the conflicts which arise when there are flagrant violations of each and the impact each has on decisions and actions undertaken (individually or collectively) in real life situations, cannot claim to be discussing things that have not been discussed before. However, philosophical enterprise being what it is, there is always room for another ‘point of view’ and that is justification enough. A different point of view brings to light new and distinct perspectives which may help provide a better understanding of morally perplexing problems. Many papers in this volume are an attempt to deal with the question of human rights and obligations in an Indian context, and herein lies its claim to novelty, its raison d 'etre.

Philosophical problems have this die-hard quality about them that they remain the same at the core; only the context in which they are presented provides a distinct perspective to them. The different context demands a review, revisiting and rehearsing of existing solutions to suit its present needs.