Orissa High Court Adjourns PIL Hearing on Dysfunctional Human Rights Commission
The Orissa High Court in Cuttack has adjourned further proceedings on a public interest litigation (PIL) that raises serious concerns about the operational status of the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC). The court has scheduled the next hearing for April 22, following submissions from the state government regarding ongoing appointment processes.
State Assures Court of Imminent Appointments
During the hearing before the division bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M S Raman, additional government advocate Saswat Das provided a crucial update. He informed the court that a meeting of the High Power Committee, responsible for selecting the chairperson and members of the OHRC, was conducted on March 23.
"Accordingly, the selection has been made and the appointment of a new chairperson and member of OHRC will be made shortly," Das stated before the bench. This committee includes significant political figures: the chief minister, the speaker of the legislative assembly, and the leader of the opposition.
PIL Highlights Critical Vacancies and Institutional Weakening
The PIL was originally filed on February 18 by high court lawyer and human rights activist Prabir Kumar Das. The petition paints a concerning picture of the commission's current state, alleging it has become virtually non-functional due to a severe shortage of key personnel.
According to the petition, the OHRC is currently operating with only one member, Chitta Ranjan Mohapatra. This situation arose after the tenures of chairperson Justice Satrughana Pujahari and member Asim Amitabh Dash concluded on February 9, 2026. The petitioner argues that the state government's prolonged inaction has significantly weakened the institutional framework of the commission.
Multiple Key Positions Remain Unfilled
The vacancies extend beyond the top leadership positions. The petition further notes that the secretary of the commission retired on August 31, 2023, and the director of investigation retired on May 31, 2024. Both of these critical administrative and operational roles have remained unfilled, hampering the commission's ability to function effectively.
The petitioner has urgently sought the court's intervention to direct the state government to expedite the appointments for the posts of chairperson, member, secretary, director of investigation, and other essential staff. This action is deemed necessary to enable the OHRC to fulfill its statutory mandate of protecting human rights within the state.
Legal and Institutional Implications
The adjournment provides the state government with additional time to formalize the appointments promised during the hearing. The case underscores the broader challenges faced by statutory bodies when key positions remain vacant for extended periods, potentially compromising their oversight and protective functions.
The Orissa High Court's monitoring of this situation highlights the judiciary's role in ensuring the effective operation of independent commissions established to safeguard citizen rights. The outcome of the April 22 hearing will be closely watched by legal experts and human rights advocates across the state.
