Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, concluded its two-day Open Hearing and Camp Sitting in Bhubaneswar today, addressing 144 cases of human rights violations and recommending a total monetary relief of approximately ₹28 lakh to victims across the state of Odisha.
Presided over by NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian, and Members Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi and Smt. Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, the Commission’s hearing was attended by Secretary General Shri Bharat Lal, Registrar (Law) Joginder Singh, senior NHRC officials, Odisha government officers, and the concerned complainants.
Cases Addressed and Relief Granted
The Commission deliberated on a wide array of human rights violation cases, including:
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Custodial deaths
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Deaths in state-run homes and hospitals (e.g., due to fire and drowning)
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Deaths from stray dog bites and electrocution
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Child trafficking and missing persons
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Crimes against women and children, including rape
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Police inaction and atrocities
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Denial of essential services and basic amenities
Notably, in several cases, the NHRC passed directives including:
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Provision of pensions and interim relief of ₹15,000 to senior tribal women
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Compensation of ₹4 lakh each to the next of kin of five workers who died in a hazardous firecracker factory
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Instructions to expedite police investigations and ensure charge sheets are filed promptly
The Commission closed 38 cases after satisfactory resolutions during the hearing. An additional three cases were closed upon receipt of compliance reports and payment proofs from the concerned authorities.
Victim Compensation Scheme: ₹1 Crore Still Pending
The NHRC reviewed 25 pending cases under the Victim Compensation Scheme, totaling nearly ₹1 crore in due relief. It held discussions with the Member Secretary, Odisha State Legal Services Authority, who assured that the compensation would be processed and disbursed without delay.
Consultation with Odisha State Authorities
Following the hearings, the Commission held a high-level meeting with Odisha Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and senior officials. Discussions focused on:
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Crimes against women and children
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Trafficking and displacement during the COVID-19 pandemic
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Snakebite fatalities and flood-related human rights concerns
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Witchcraft and sorcery-related violations
The Commission appreciated the efforts of the state in several cases but reminded officials to submit timely action taken reports on NHRC advisories concerning mental health, bonded labour, right to food and safety, and more. The Chief Secretary assured full cooperation and compliance.
Engagement with Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders
The NHRC engaged with civil society organisations, NGOs, and Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) to strengthen collaboration. Participants raised important issues, including:
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Need for human rights education
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Police reforms
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Transgender rights—especially regarding education and identity documentation
A condolence message was issued for Shri Radhakanta Tripathy, a noted human rights advocate, acknowledging his decades-long contribution to justice and equality in Odisha. A two-minute silence was observed in his memory.
Encouragement for Continued Civic Participation
In his address, Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian reaffirmed the NHRC’s commitment to working closely with civil society and HRDs, urging them to report violations through the Commission’s online portal hrcnet.nic.in.
The Commission concluded the Camp Sitting by briefing the media on the outcomes of the hearing and the way forward.
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