DECLARATION

I, Tulsiram Majhi, a second-year law student enrolled in the 3-year LL.B. (Hons.) program at
University Law College, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, hereby attest that
the compiled report submitted for the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) – December
2023-January 2024 Internship Program (21 days) is a faithful representation of my personal
experiences and observations during the internship period. I affirm the accuracy and authenticity
of this document as I present it to The Registrar, Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC).

Tulsiram Majhi
2nd year LL.B (Hons.)
University Law College, Utkal University
Bhubaneswar

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I express my heartfelt appreciation to the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) for
granting me the opportunity to participate in the Internship Program conducted from December
2023 to January 2024. This experience has been instrumental in enhancing my awareness of
human rights issues and their practical implications.

I would like to convey my gratitude to the entire OHRC team for their steadfast support,
mentorship, and guidance throughout the duration of the internship. Their expertise and
dedication to upholding human rights have served as a constant source of motivation.

Additionally, I acknowledge the conducive academic atmosphere at University Law College,

Utkal University, where I am currently pursuing my 3-year LL.B. (Hons.). The foundational
knowledge and ethical principles instilled by the faculty have undeniably contributed to my ability
to comprehend and engage with human rights issues.

I am also thankful for the collaborative spirit among fellow interns, which created a supportive
learning environment. The diverse perspectives and shared experiences have added depth to
my understanding of the subject matter.

Finally, I extend my thanks to all individuals, both within and outside the OHRC, who directly or
indirectly played a role in the successful completion of this internship report. This endeavor has
not only marked a professional milestone but has also strengthened my commitment to
advocate for the protection and promotion of human rights.

Tulsiram Majhi
2nd year LL.B (Hons.)
University Law College, Utkal University
Bhubaneswar

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INTRODUCTION:

Human rights encompass moral principles and norms that articulate specific standards of
human behavior. These rights are not only considered fundamental but are also protected as
both natural and legal rights within municipal and international law. The essence of human
rights lies in the inherent entitlement of every individual, solely by virtue of being a human being,
irrespective of nationality, location, language, religion, ethnic origin, or any other status.

The concept of human rights revolves around the notion that these rights are inalienable — they
cannot be taken away or relinquished — and they are considered universal, applying to all
individuals everywhere and at all times. Furthermore, human rights embody an egalitarian
principle, signifying that they are the same for everyone, emphasizing equality as a fundamental
aspect.

These rights are not contingent on external factors and are often seen as requiring empathy and
adherence to the rule of law. Individuals are obligated to respect the human rights of others,
creating a framework that emphasizes a collective responsibility for the well-being of humanity.
The general consensus is that human rights should not be arbitrarily revoked, and any potential
deprivation should only occur through a due process that is based on specific circumstances.

Examples of human rights include the freedom from unlawful imprisonment, protection against
torture, and the right to life, highlighting the fundamental nature of these principles in
safeguarding the dignity and well-being of individuals across the globe.

DEFINITION: According to the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, human rights are defined
in section 2(d) as the rights connected to an individual's life, liberty, equality, and dignity. These
rights are either guaranteed by the constitution or outlined in international agreements, and they
can be legally upheld and enforced by the courts in India.

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National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): An Overview

 Introduction: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India is an

independent public body established on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of
Human Rights Ordinance of September 28, 1993. It gained its statutory basis through
the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (TPHRA). The NHRC is entrusted with the
crucial role of safeguarding and advancing human rights, as defined by the Act to
include the "rights relating to life, liberty, equality, and dignity of the individual
guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the International Covenants."

 Composition of NHRC (as per Section 3 of Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993):

o The Central Government is mandated to establish the National Human Rights

Commission, empowering it to exercise the conferred powers and perform the
designated functions under the Act.

o The Commission comprises:

 (a) A Chairperson, who has served as the Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court.

 (b) One Member who is currently or has been a Judge of the Supreme
Court.

 (c) One Member who is, or has been, the Chief Justice of a High Court.

 (d) Two Members chosen from individuals with expertise or practical

experience in matters related to human rights.

o The Chairperson of specific national commissions, such as the National

Commission for Minorities, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, the
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, and the National Commission for
Women, are considered Members of the NHRC for the execution of specified
functions.

o The Commission appoints a Secretary-General, the Chief Executive Officer,

responsible for exercising designated powers and functions, excluding judicial
functions and the authority to formulate regulations under section 40 B. These
powers are delegated by the Commission or the Chairperson, as applicable.

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 o The headquarters of the NHRC is situated in Delhi, and the Commission, subject
to the Central Government's prior approval, may establish offices in other
locations across India.

Odisha Human Rights Commission Overview: Upholding Human Rights in Odisha

 The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) was established on January 27, 2000,
and officially commenced its operations on July 11, 2003, with the appointment of its
inaugural Hon'ble Chairperson, Sri Justice D.P. Mohapatra.
 The primary mandate of the OHRC is to investigate instances of Human Rights
violations by public authorities. These rights encompass the fundamental aspects of life,
liberty, equality, and dignity, as guaranteed by the Constitution of India or embodied in
the International Covenants, which are enforceable by Indian courts. The Commission
plays a crucial role in issuing appropriate directions to ensure the protection of these
rights.
 The Constitution of India, formulated in 1950, drew inspiration from the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The preamble of the Indian Constitution
underscores the commitment to securing justice, liberty, equality, and the dignity of
every individual as fundamental values.
 Within the framework of the Constitution, numerous civil and political rights, such as the
right to equality, freedom of speech, and the right to life and personal liberty, have been
enshrined as fundamental rights. In cases where these fundamental rights are violated,
individuals have the right to approach the Supreme Court to seek appropriate directions
or remedies.
 Furthermore, the Constitution addresses economic, social, and cultural rights through
the Directive Principles of State Policy. These principles guide the governance of the
country, emphasizing the concept of a welfare state. Legislations enacted by the
Parliament further protect and promote the rights of vulnerable sections of society,
including the disabled, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, and children.
 Specific legislations addressing women's rights cover issues like dowry harassment,
prevention of immoral trafficking, sati prevention, and the misuse of prenatal diagnostics
for female foeticide. The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, plays a pivotal role in
this landscape, providing for the establishment of the National Human Rights
Commission, State Human Rights Commissions, and Human Rights Courts to ensure
the protection and promotion of human rights across the country. The OHRC, as a

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 crucial component of this framework, stands as a sentinel for human rights in the state of
Odisha.

INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE AT ODISHA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Week 1: December 28, 2023, to January 5, 2024

Day 1: December 28, 2023

The inaugural day of the internship commenced with an insightful introduction from the
Honourable Chairperson, Sri Justice Satrughana Pujahari, and the Assistant Registrar, Sri
Biswajit Mahapatra, OJS. This introductory session set the stage for a comprehensive
exploration of human rights, covering core principles, the establishment of NHRC and OHRC,
the basic structure doctrine, and practical applications through case laws. The day also featured
an acknowledgment of the profound contributions of Justice H.R. Khanna, emphasizing a
commitment to upholding human dignity. A detailed discussion on global human rights
frameworks, including the UN Charter and the UDHR, highlighted the universality of human
rights.

Day 2: December 29, 2023

The second day of the internship began with a hands-on learning experience in order-compiling,
providing practical insights into addressing human rights issues and following meticulous
procedures. In the afternoon, the Honourable Chairperson delivered a lecture focused on
appeals against orders passed by the Commission. This session illuminated the concept of
appeal as a statutory right and explained specific procedures and channels for challenging
orders.

Day 3: December 30, 2023

The emphasis shifted to the analysis of orders on this day, honing analytical skills through the
summarization of Commission decrees. In the afternoon, the Chairperson delved into legal
frameworks and evidentiary concepts, shedding light on the pivotal role of the UDHR in global
human rights protection.

Day 4: January 2, 2024

January 2, 2024, marked a deeper engagement with the practical aspects of human rights
advocacy. The morning session involved the analysis of OHRC order letters and the study of
specific case files, connecting theoretical frameworks with real-world scenarios. In the

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afternoon, Registrar Madam shared invaluable knowledge about the internal workings of OHRC,
followed by a lecture focusing on the entire process from case registration to justice delivery.

Day 5: January 3, 2024

January 3, 2024, began with order compilations and a more in-depth study of specific case files.
The afternoon was dedicated to ensuring compliance, with interns tasked with following up with
petitioners. This involved preparing compliance letters, confirming order receipt, and inquiring
about implementation by concerned authorities.

Day 6: January 4, 2024

The week continued with a dynamic session involving compliance work in the morning and a
class with Special DG Police Pranabindu Acharya in the afternoon. Mr. Acharya, Director of the
Investigation Wing of OHRC, provided open dialogue and insightful guidance, addressing
interns as future legal professionals.

Day 7: January 5, 2024

On January 5, 2024, daily tasks included compiling case files and case file analysis in the
morning. In the afternoon, an interactive case study session with Additional SP Mr. S.N.
Pradhan, OPS, highlighted a real-life case involving a tragic incident of self-immolation within a
police station premises. The case, taken up suo motu by the Commission under the
Chairperson's intervention, added a practical dimension to the interns' understanding.

This week laid a strong foundation for the internship, combining theoretical knowledge with
practical experiences and insights into the inner workings of OHRC. The diverse sessions,
ranging from legal frameworks to real-life case studies, provided a holistic understanding of
human rights advocacy.

Week 2: January 6, 2024, to January 12, 2024

The second week of the internship program continued to offer a diverse range of experiences
and learning opportunities.

Day 8: January 6, 2024

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The week began with routine tasks, including the compilation of case files and ensuring
compliance with order letters. The afternoon session featured a guided tour of different
departments of OHRC. Led by Registrar Madam and Assistant Registrar Sir, the tour provided
valuable insights into the well-organized functioning of the Commission, offering a glimpse into
the intricate process of a case from registration to final resolution.

Day 9: January 8, 2024

The morning of this day started with routine tasks, including compiling case files and ensuring
order letter compliance. The noon session involved observing courtroom proceedings presided
over by Honourable Member Sri Asim Amitabh Dash. This firsthand experience of real-life court
proceedings, addressing human rights violations from various sections of society, was
enlightening for the interns. The afternoon session included a class with insightful discussions
on various topics related to law by Assistant Registrar Sir.

Day 10: January 9, 2024

This day deviated from the usual tasks of order compliance and case file compilation. Instead,
interns were provided with closed and disposed-of case files to study. This unique opportunity
allowed for an in-depth analysis of actual resolutions achieved in the pursuit of human rights,
offering a nuanced understanding of the journey from complaint to redress.

Day 11: January 10, 2024

The morning of Day 11 continued the study of closed and disposed-of case files, further
enriching the interns' understanding of the practical aspects of human rights resolutions. In the
afternoon, an accounts class by Accounts Officer Smt. Swagatika Mishra, OT&AS, ODISHA
TAXATION AND ACCOUNTS SERVICE, provided crucial insights into OHRC's accounting and
finance operations. This session offered a glimpse into the internal mechanisms sustaining the
Commission's work.

Day 12: January 11, 2024

Morning activities included observing courtroom proceedings presided over by OHRC member
Sri Asim Amitabh Dash. This direct exposure to actual cases added depth to the interns'
comprehension of human rights issues. In the afternoon, Deputy Superintendent of Police Smt.
Alaka Rani Panda, DSP, INVESTIGATION WING, OHRC, shared insights into legal frameworks
and practical strategies for safeguarding human rights. She also discussed real-life cases of
human rights violations that she had personally investigated and reported to the Commission.

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Day 13: January 12, 2024

The morning session focused on real-life instances of rights violations, returning to the
courtroom under the guidance of Honourable Member, OHRC Sri Asim Amitabh Dash. The
cases encountered illustrated various human rights issues, including some related to COVID-19
medical emergencies. In the afternoon, the Commission conducted a virtual hearing related to a
COVID-19 medical negligence case, as claimed by the petitioner.

Week 2 provided interns with a deeper understanding of the practical aspects of human rights
resolutions. The exposure to closed and disposed-of case files, courtroom proceedings, and
insights from experienced professionals enriched the learning experience. The week
emphasized the integration of theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, contributing to
the interns' growth as advocates for human rights.

Week 3: January 13, 2024, to January 18, 2024

The third week of the internship marked a continuation of diverse and insightful experiences,
contributing to the interns' evolving understanding of human rights and legal procedures.

Day 14: January 16, 2024

The week began with a session on courtroom proceedings presided over by OHRC member Sri
Asim Amitabh Dash. Interns had the opportunity to witness a case concerning the right to
education, specifically a violation involving a minor child. This firsthand exposure provided
valuable insights into the legal intricacies involved in addressing such issues. In the afternoon, a
class conducted by Joint Secretary Sri Biswajit Ch Barman, OAS (S), covered the hierarchy of
administrative officers and staff working in the commission, along with discussions on various
topics related to law.

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Conclusion: A Transformative Journey in Human Rights Advocacy

As I reflect on my 21-day internship with the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC), I am
compelled to acknowledge the profound impact it has had on my understanding of human
rights, legal processes, and the intricate workings of a regulatory body committed to justice and
dignity. This experience, under the mentorship of esteemed individuals like Sri Justice
Satrughana Pujahari, the Chairperson, and the insightful guidance of the Assistant Registrar
and other experts, has been nothing short of transformative.

The journey began on December 28, 2023, with an enlightening introduction that laid the
groundwork for an exploration of the core principles of human rights. The subsequent days
unfolded with a carefully curated itinerary that seamlessly integrated theoretical knowledge with
practical experiences. The significance of this internship became evident from the initial
sessions, where we delved into the establishment of NHRC and OHRC, the basic structure
doctrine, and the practical applications of human rights through case laws.

One of the highlights was the acknowledgment of Justice H.R. Khanna's profound contributions,
emphasizing a commitment to upholding human dignity. This recognition served as a moral
compass throughout my internship, instilling a sense of responsibility and purpose in advocating
for the protection and promotion of human rights.

The exploration of global human rights frameworks, including the UN Charter and the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), illuminated the universality and egalitarian nature of
these rights. These discussions provided a broader perspective, emphasizing the
interconnectedness of human rights on a global scale.

Practical exercises, such as order-compiling and case file analysis, offered hands-on learning
about addressing human rights issues and navigating meticulous procedures. The dynamic
sessions, including lectures by OHRC officials and external experts, enriched my understanding
of legal frameworks, evidentiary concepts, and the internal workings of OHRC. The guided tour
of different departments further demystified the intricate process of a case, from registration to
final resolution.

The engagement with real-life instances of rights violations, courtroom proceedings, and case
studies brought theory to life. Witnessing the dedication and proactive intervention of the

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Commission, especially in cases like the tragic incident of self-immolation, underscored the
OHRC's commitment to swift and just actions.

The exposure to various aspects of human rights advocacy, from compliance work to virtual
hearings and insightful classes with experts like Special DG Police Pranabindu Acharya,
provided a comprehensive and holistic learning experience. The unique opportunity to study
closed and disposed-of case files allowed me to analyze actual resolutions achieved in the
pursuit of human rights, offering a practical perspective on the journey from complaint to
redress.

The internship was not merely a professional milestone; it was a reaffirmation of my

commitment to advocating for the protection and promotion of human rights. The collaborative
spirit among fellow interns, the unwavering support of OHRC officials, and the open dialogue
with experts created an environment conducive to learning and growth.

In conclusion, my 21-day internship with OHRC has been an invaluable chapter in my academic
and professional journey. It has equipped me with practical skills, deepened my understanding
of human rights principles, and instilled in me a sense of responsibility as a future legal
professional. As I carry forward the lessons learned and experiences gained, I am confident that
this transformative journey will continue to shape my perspective and contribute to my
endeavors in the field of human rights advocacy.

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