DECLARATION

I, Rasmita Bhuyan, a second-year law student pursuing a 3-year LL.B. (Hons.) at University Law College, Utkal
University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, affirm that this compiled report for the Odisha Human Rights
Commission (OHRC) – December 2023-January 2024 Internship Program (21 days) is based on my personal
experiences and observations to the best of my knowledge and understanding during its duration. I hereby submit
this document to The Registrar, Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC), confirming its authenticity and
genuine nature.

Rasmita Bhuyan
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I extend my sincere gratitude to the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) for affording me the privilege to
partake in the Internship Program held from December 2023 to January 2024. This invaluable experience has
significantly enriched my understanding of human rights issues and their practical implications.

I would like to express my appreciation to the entire OHRC team for their unwavering support, mentorship, and
guidance throughout the course of this internship. Their expertise and commitment to upholding human rights
have been a source of inspiration.

Furthermore, I acknowledge the conducive academic environment at University Law College, Utkal University,
where I am currently pursuing my 3-year LL.B. (Hons.). The foundational knowledge and ethical principles
instilled in me by the faculty have undoubtedly contributed to my ability to comprehend and engage with human
rights matters.

I am also grateful for the collaborative spirit among fellow interns, which fostered a conducive learning
environment. The diverse perspectives and shared experiences have added depth to my comprehension of the
subject matter.

Last but not least, I express my thanks to all those individuals, both within and outside the OHRC, who directly or
indirectly contributed to the successful completion of this internship report. This endeavor has not only been a
professional milestone but has also reinforced my commitment to advocating for the protection and promotion of
human rights.

Rasmita Bhuyan
What are Human Rights?

Meaning of Human Rights:-

Human rights are moral principles or norms that describe certain standards of human behavior and are regularly
protected as natural and legal rights in municipal and international law. They are commonly understood as
inalienable, fundamental rights “to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human
being" and which are "inherent in all human beings”, regardless of their nation, location, language, religion,
ethnic origin or any other status. They are applicable everywhere and at every time in the sense of being universal,
and they are egalitarian in the sense of being the same for everyone. They are regarded as requiring empathy and
the rule of law and imposing an obligation on persons to respect the human rights of others, and it is generally
considered that they should not be taken away except as a result of due process based on specific circumstances;

For example: - human rights may include freedom from unlawful imprisonment, torture and execution.

Definition of Human Rights as provided by the Act:-

The definition of Human Rights is given under section-2(d) of The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993as the
rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the constitution or embodied in
the International covenants and enforceable by the courts in India.

National Human Rights Commission:

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India is an autonomous public body constituted on October
12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Ordinance of September 28, 1993. It was given a statutory basis
by the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (TPHRA). The NHRC is the National Human Rights Commission
of India, responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights, as defined by the Act, encompassing
"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 the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993): The Central Government
shall constitute a body known as the National Human Rights Commission to exercise the powers conferred upon
and perform the functions assigned to it under this Act. The Commission shall consist of:

(a) A Chairperson who has been a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; (b) One Member who is 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 appointed from amongst persons having knowledge of or practical experience in matters relating to
human rights.
The Chairpersons of the National Commission for Minorities, the National Commission for the Scheduled Castes,
the National Commission for the Scheduled Tribes, and the National Commission for Women shall be deemed
Members of the Commission for the discharge of functions specified in clauses (b) to (j) of Section 12.

There shall be a Secretary-General who shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission and shall exercise
powers and discharge functions of the Commission (except judicial functions and the power to make regulations
under Section 40B) as may be delegated to him by the Commission or the Chairperson, as the case may be. The
headquarters of the Commission shall be in Delhi, and the Commission may, with the previous approval of the
Central Government, establish offices at other places in India.

OHRC at a Glance

The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) was constituted on January 27, 2000, and commenced
operations on July 11, 2003, with the appointment of Sri Justice D.P. Mohapatra as its first Honorable
Chairperson.

The primary mandate of the Commission is to investigate violations of human rights by public authorities. These
rights pertain to life, liberty, equality, and dignity of individuals as guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in
the International Covenants, enforceable by Indian courts. The Commission has the authority to issue appropriate
directions necessary for the protection of such rights.

The Constitution of India in 1950 drew inspiration from the goals outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights in 1948. The preamble to the Constitution emphasizes the commitment to securing justice, liberty,
equality, and dignity for all citizens.

The Constitution enshrines a range of civil and political rights, including the right to equality, freedom of speech,
the right to life, and personal liberty. Provisions prohibiting human trafficking, forced labor, freedom of
conscience, and the free practice of religion are also embedded in the fundamental rights section.

In instances of infringement of any fundamental right, individuals have the right to approach the Supreme Court
for issuing appropriate directions, orders, or writs.

Additionally, the Constitution includes various economic, social, and cultural rights, such as the right to
education, health, and work, under the Directive Principles of State Policy. These principles guide governance,
and legislatures are expected to consider them while framing laws to embody the concept of a welfare state.

The Parliament has enacted several legislations aimed at safeguarding and promoting the rights of vulnerable
sections of society, including the disabled, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, women, and children.
Legislation related to women covers issues like dowry harassment, immoral trafficking, prevention of sati, and the
misuse of prenatal diagnostics leading to female foeticide.

The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, provides for the constitution of (i) the National Human Rights
Commission, (ii) State Human Rights Commissions, and (iii) Human Rights Courts.

WEEKLY REPORT

First Week:

The internship program at the Odisha Human Rights Commission commenced on December 28, 2023. All interns
were instructed to arrive at OHRC by 10:30 am. Upon arrival, we were introduced to the Chairman of OHRC,
Shri Justice Satrughana Pujahari. He discussed various fundamental topics, including:

 The significance of internships

 The origin of the concept of interns

 Human Rights

 Establishment of NHRC & OHRC

 Discussion on the UN Charter and UDHR

Classes were conducted by the chairman for the next two days. On December 30, 2023, interns were assigned a
practical exercise involving the compilation of disposed cases and discussions on human rights issues. On January
2, 2024, case files were analyzed and compiled. The Registrar Madam, our internship coordinator, interacted with
us, sharing essential knowledge on Human Rights and the internal workings of OHRC.

Second Week:

This week focused on order compilations and case file analysis. A class with Special DG Police, Pranabindu
Acharya, discussed how the Investigations wing operates. An interactive session with Additional SP S.N Pradhan
addressed real-life cases, including a tragic incident of self-immolation within a police station premises.

Interns toured different departments of OHRC, gaining insights into their organized workings. Courtroom
proceedings were observed, presided over by Honourable Member Sri Asim Amitabh Dash, and real-life cases
from various sections were presented. An additional class with the Assistant Registrar covered various law-related
topics. Interns were provided with disposed case files for study, and an accounting class by Accounts Officer Smt.
Swagatika Mishra covered essential subjects of OHRC, including accounting and finance operations.

Third Week:
During this week, interns observed courtroom proceedings presided over by OHRC member Sri Asim Amitabh
Dash and witnessed actual cases. A session with DSP Smt. Alaka Rani Panda provided insights into practical
strategies for safeguarding human rights. Real-life cases related to human rights violations, including some
COVID-19 medical cases, were discussed.

Interns attended a virtual hearing related to a COVID-19 medical negligence case. An interactive session with
Joint Secretary of OHRC, Sri Biswajit Ch Barman, covered the hierarchy of administrative officers and staff
working in the commission, along with various law-related topics.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the three-week internship at OHRC has been a priceless segment of my academic and career
trajectory. This experience has not only imparted practical skills but has also enriched my comprehension of
human rights principles, leaving an indelible mark on my growth as a prospective legal professional. The
invaluable insights gained during this internship have significantly contributed to my practical knowledge and
ethical awareness in the realm of human rights.

The immersive nature of the internship allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations,
fostering a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in safeguarding human rights. The exposure to the
daily operations of OHRC, under the guidance of Chairman Shri Justice Satrughana Pujahari and other key
figures, has provided me with a firsthand view of the challenges and responsibilities inherent in the field of human
rights advocacy.

As I progress beyond this internship, the acquired skills and profound experiences will undoubtedly serve as a
solid foundation for my future endeavors. This transformative journey has not only broadened my perspective on
human rights issues but has also instilled in me a heightened sense of responsibility towards advocating for justice
and equality. I am optimistic that the lessons learned and insights gained will continue to influence my academic
pursuits and professional contributions in the dynamic and crucial field of human rights advocacy. This internship
has been instrumental in shaping my commitment to championing human rights causes and will undoubtedly
resonate throughout my academic and professional journey.