NHRC Concludes Odisha Camp Hearing, Recommends ₹28 Lakh Relief for Victims

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India concluded its two-day Camp Sitting and Open Hearing in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on 22 July 2025, marking a significant outreach effort aimed at addressing pressing human rights concerns in the state. Over the course of two days, the Commission heard 144 cases involving a broad range of human rights violations and recommended compensation totaling approximately ₹28 lakh to victims and their families.

The Camp Sitting was presided over by NHRC Chairperson Justice Shri V. Ramasubramanian, along with Members Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi and Smt. Vijaya Bharathi Sayani. Also present were Secretary General Shri Bharat Lal, Registrar (Law) Shri Joginder Singh, senior NHRC officials, representatives from the Odisha state government, and complainants from across the state.

Scope of Cases and Key Interventions

The Commission considered a wide variety of cases covering serious issues such as:

• Custodial deaths

• Deaths in state-run homes and hospitals, including child fatalities due to fire

• Electrocution, drowning, and stray dog bites

• Crime against women and children, including rape and trafficking

• Denial of basic amenities, witchcraft-related violence, and non-registration of FIRs

• Police atrocities, suicides, and missing persons

In one notable direction, the Commission awarded ₹4 lakh compensation each to the next of kin of five workers who died in an explosion at a hazardous cracker factory. In another, interim relief of ₹15,000 and welfare benefits were granted to an elderly tribal woman.

The NHRC also directed expedited investigations and filing of chargesheets in several pending cases, particularly those involving women and children.

Status of Cases and Compensation Disbursal

Out of the 144 cases:

• 38 cases were closed post-hearing, based on satisfactory resolutions.

• 3 cases were closed upon submission of compliance reports and payment proofs by the concerned authorities.

However, the Commission also raised serious concerns about delays in compensation under the Victim Compensation Scheme, revealing that nearly ₹1 crore remains pending in 25 cases. NHRC officials engaged with the Member Secretary of the Odisha State Legal Services Authority, who committed to resolving the pending cases promptly.

Meeting with State Leadership: Systemic Issues Highlighted

Following the hearings, the Commission met with the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and other senior officials of the Odisha Government. The interaction focused on systemic human rights concerns such as:

• Crimes against women and children

• Deaths due to snakebites and floods

• Human trafficking during the COVID-19 pandemic

• Witchcraft and sorcery-related violence

The NHRC appreciated the compliance of state officials with its earlier directions and advised them to submit Action Taken Reports (ATRs) on its thematic advisories related to Mental Health, Bonded Labour, Right to Food, and Safety.

Civil Society Interaction and Tribute to HR Defender

In a gesture of inclusive governance, the Commission interacted with civil society organizations (CSOs), NGOs, and Human Rights Defenders (HRDs). The participants raised critical issues including:

• Lack of human rights education

• Transgender rights, especially access to education and identity documentation

• Need for police reforms

A special tribute was paid to Shri Radhakanta Tripathy, a noted human rights defender from Odisha who recently passed away. A two-minute silence was observed, and a formal condolence message was issued, honoring his lifelong commitment to justice and dignity.

The NHRC encouraged CSOs and HRDs to continue their work without fear or favour, and informed them about the Commission’s online complaint system through hrcnet.nic.in.

Closing Remarks and Media Briefing

Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian, in his closing remarks, highlighted the importance of collaboration with civil society and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to ensuring justice for all, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized. He noted that such open hearings and camp sittings play a vital role in:

• Bringing justice closer to the people

• Reducing pendency of cases

• Strengthening transparency and accountability in governance

A detailed media briefing was conducted to outline the key outcomes, directions issued, and the path forward.

The NHRC’s Odisha Camp Sitting serves as a model for responsive governance and grassroots engagement. It underscores the Commission’s dual role as both a watchdog and facilitator, ensuring not only redressal of violations but also promotion of systemic reforms. As India continues its journey toward a just society, such proactive interventions are critical in strengthening institutional accountability and upholding the dignity of every citizen.