Ensure timely submission of ATRs to expedite justice to human right violation victims: NHRC
Bhubaneswar, July 22 (UNI) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) today asked the Odisha Government officials to ensure timely submission of action taken reports to the Commission so that victims of human rights violations get expeditious justice.
The rights panel also emphasized that compliance reports on the Commission’s recommendation are submitted without delay.
The top rights panel concluded its two-day-long Bhubaneswar Camp sitting after hearing 144 cases in Full Commission and Division benches and recommended Rs 28 lakh as relief to the victims of human rights violations in the state of Odisha.
The NHRC Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian, Members Dr Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi and Vijaya Bharati Sayani heard the cases.
The Commission also advised the Odisha Government functionaries to initiate proactive steps to prevent custodial deaths, child trafficking, denial of basic human amenities, crime against women, including rape, crime against children, missing persons, police atrocities, suicidal deaths, non-registration of FIR by police, electrocution cases.
Burning issues like crime against women, crime against children, deaths due to snake bite, trafficking during covid period, problems due to flood situation in parts of Odisha, human rights violation due to practice of witchcraft and sorcery were elaborately discussed with the officials, civil society groups and stakeholders.
The Commission asked the officers to submit action taken reports on various advisories issued by the Commission on issues such as mental health, bonded labour, right to food. They were asked to ensure timely submission of reports to the Commission so that victims of human rights violations get expeditious justice.
It was also emphasized that compliance reports on the Commission’s recommendation are submitted without delay.
A senior tribal lady was given pension, interim relief of Rs. 15,000 and other benefits under the social welfare schemes.
In many cases, the police expedited the investigation and filed a charge sheet before the Court. In case of death of five workers, including a 12 years old boy, while working in hazardous cracker factory, compensation of Rs 4 lakh each was given to the next of kin of the victims and the hazardous factory has been sealed.
The Commission closed 38 cases after hearing both the parties while cases have been closed after receipt of compliance report along with the proof of payment of compensation.
The Commission observed that payment of compensation under the ‘Victim Compensation Scheme” to the tune of Rs one crore, is pending in 25 cases.
The Commission interacted with the Member Secretary, Odisha State Legal Services who has ensured disposal of matters after payment of the compensation within a fortnight.
