NHRC to Address 144 Human Rights Cases in Bhubaneswar: What to Expect?

NHRC's Upcoming Camp in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is preparing to conduct a two-day camp in Bhubaneswar starting on July 21. During this event, the commission plans to address approximately 144 unresolved cases related to alleged human rights abuses in the region, as reported by official sources on Saturday.

The NHRC Chairperson, Justice V Ramasubramanian, along with Members Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, and Priyank Kanoongo, will commence hearings at 10:00 AM at the State Guest House located in Unit-V, Keshari Nagar on July 21, 2025.

Key officials, including NHRC Secretary General Bharat Lal and Registrar (Law) Joginder Singh, will also participate in the camp, which will feature both sitting and open hearings.

In addition to case hearings, the camp aims to raise awareness among officials regarding human rights and ensure prompt justice for victims of violations.

The commission is set to engage with representatives from civil society organizations, NGOs, and human rights defenders (HRDs).

Both state authorities and complainants are required to attend the hearings to facilitate immediate discussions and resolutions.

The cases under review will encompass various issues, including assaults on journalists and HRDs, violence against women and children, fatalities from snakebites due to inadequate medical assistance, flooding challenges affecting families in Bhadrak, Kendrapada, and other coastal areas, human rights infringements linked to witchcraft accusations, and the trafficking of girls during the Covid-19 pandemic, as stated by the I&P department.

Following the hearings, the commission will convene with the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and other senior state officials to discuss matters related to the advancement and safeguarding of human rights.

On July 22, the commission will also meet with representatives from civil society organizations, NGOs, and HRDs.

Subsequently, the NHRC will provide a media briefing regarding the outcomes of the camp, aiming for broader dissemination of information concerning human rights issues in the state and the actions undertaken by the NHRC.