NHRC, India Concludes Two-Day Odisha Open Hearing and Camp Sitting

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has wrapped up a two-day Open Hearing and Camp sitting in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, where it addressed 144 cases of human rights violations. The commission recommended approximately โ‚น28 lakh in relief for the victims. Led by NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian, the panel also discussed various pressing issues, including custodial deaths, child trafficking, and police misconduct, while engaging with state officials and civil society representatives.

Overview of Cases Addressed

During the two-day hearing, the NHRC examined a wide range of cases that highlighted serious human rights concerns in Odisha. These included custodial deaths, fatalities in state-run homes, and tragic incidents involving children, such as deaths in hospitals due to fire and drowning. The commission also looked into cases of stray dog bites, child trafficking, and crimes against women, including rape. Other significant issues included missing persons, police atrocities, and non-registration of FIRs by law enforcement. The NHRC’s comprehensive approach aimed to address these violations and ensure justice for the affected individuals.

Recommendations and Relief Measures

The NHRC issued several directives during the hearings, including the provision of pensions and interim relief of โ‚น15,000 to a senior tribal woman. In addition, the commission expedited police investigations and mandated the filing of chargesheets in multiple cases. Notably, it recommended compensation of โ‚น4 lakh each to the families of five workers who tragically lost their lives while working in a hazardous cracker factory. The commission also closed 38 cases after hearing from complainants and relevant officers, with three additional cases closed following compliance reports that confirmed the payment of recommended compensation.

Engagement with State Officials and Civil Society

Following the hearings, the NHRC held discussions with senior officials from the Odisha government, including the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police. The meeting focused on various human rights issues, such as crimes against women and children, deaths from snake bites, and trafficking during the COVID-19 pandemic. The commission expressed appreciation for the compliance of state functionaries with its directives. Furthermore, the NHRC emphasized the importance of timely action on advisories related to mental health, bonded labor, and the right to food and safety.

Collaboration with NGOs and Human Rights Defenders

The NHRC also interacted with representatives from civil society, NGOs, and human rights defenders, acknowledging the contributions of the late Shri Radhakanta Tripathy, a prominent human rights advocate in Odisha. The discussions highlighted various issues, including human rights education and the challenges faced by transgender individuals regarding access to education and identity documents. NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian underscored the significance of collaboration with NGOs and human rights defenders in strengthening human rights protections across the country. The commission encouraged ongoing engagement and assured that complaints of human rights violations can be filed online, reinforcing its commitment to justice for all victims.


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