Odisha's Social Boycott: A Tale of Caste and Customs

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has intervened in a case reportedly involving a family's social ostracism in Odisha's Rayagada district. A woman from a Scheduled Tribe community faced a social boycott alongside her family after marrying a man from a Scheduled Caste.

According to reports, villagers demanded the family undergo a 'purification ritual' to be reinstated into the community, with threats of an indefinite boycott if they refused. The NHRC, having taken suo motu cognisance of the matter, perceives potential human rights violations if these claims are accurate.

The NHRC has instructed the Odisha government to provide a detailed report in two weeks. The case came to light following reports suggesting that under communal pressure, 40 family members had their heads shaved as part of the ritual.

(With inputs from agencies.)