Taking serious note of prolonged delays in disbursing ex-gratia relief to the family of a drowning victim, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a conditional summons to the District Collector of Kendujhar. The directive was passed on November 11 under Case No. 109/18/7/2025.
The intervention follows a petition filed by human rights defender Bhajaman Biswal, a resident of Kamakhyanagar under Khurusia police limits in Dhenkanal district. Biswal approached the Commission on behalf of Shiva Prasad Sahu, whose sister tragically drowned in the Baitarani River. According to the complaint, despite repeated appeals to the authorities, the state administration failed to release the promised ex-gratia compensation, leaving the bereaved family without financial relief.
Earlier, on September 15, 2025, the NHRC had directed the concerned authorities to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within four weeks. At the time, the Commission explicitly warned that failure to comply would invite coercive proceedings under Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. However, more than a year later, the required report has still not reached the Commission.
Viewing the administrative inaction as a serious lapse and a violation of human rights, the apex rights body has now issued a conditional summons against the Kendujhar Collector. Per the latest order, if the district administration fails to submit the requisite report by December 21, 2026, the Collector must appear in person before the Commission at 11 AM on December 28, 2026, to explain the delay. Personal appearance will only be dispensed with if the compliance report is received before the deadline.
To ensure strict accountability, the NHRC registry has also been instructed to forward a copy of the proceedings to the Chief Secretary of Odisha for information and necessary compliance.
The Commission’s stern directive has renewed hope for justice for the victim’s family while putting the spotlight on administrative transparency and efficiency in disbursing disaster relief across the state.
