TV
Odisha’s quasi-judicial system is allegedly under strain as the key institutions like the Odisha State Commission for Women (Rajya Mahila Commission), State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR), and Lokayukta remain without leadership.
Also Read: Quasi-judicial system facing stagnation in Odisha!
Victims of domestic violence and corruption are left disillusioned as complaints pile up with no one to hear them. A serious vacuum has emerged in the quasi-judicial framework, with critical commissions operating without chairpersons or members for months.
State women’s commission has been without a chairperson or even a single member for over seven months, resulting in mounting frustration among the victims seeking justice.
The absence of leadership has rendered the commission ‘ineffective’, leaving complainants like Bhusandapur’s Lili Behera helpless. Despite enduring years of abuse at the hands of her husband and in-laws, her repeated visits to the commission office have gone unheard.
Similarly, Rama Behera has been visiting the commission frequently in hopes of resolving her daughter’s domestic issues, but to no avail.
This administrative void follows the removal of former chairperson Minati Behera and all commission members in November last year after the new (BJP-led) government took over. Although the rules specify three-year tenure, Behera was removed almost a year early, and her post has remained vacant since then.
More than 11,000 women complainants await justice
According to data, 191 cases were registered with the women’s commission in May alone. Over the last seven months, more than 11,000 complaints have reached the commission, but only two counsellors are available to register and acknowledge them — a task far beyond their capacity.
The crisis isn’t limited to the women’s commission. The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights in Odisha is also headless, putting child welfare and safety at risk. Similarly, the Lokayukta, the State’s key anti-corruption body, has had no chief since Dr. Rajendra Prasad Sharma retired in August last year. No new appointment has been made, nor is there any official clarity on when one might happen.
Social workers and child rights activists have expressed their grave concern and held the government responsible for alleged inaction. Opposition parties have also criticised the State government for its negligence, warning of public protests if these key positions are not filled promptly.
“It is an urgent requirement. The tenure of a chairperson and the members is of three years. Hence, the senior positions in these quasi-judicial bodies should be filled soon,” eminent social activist Namrata Chadha said to OTV.
Must Read: Odisha govt to constitute Law Revision Commission soon
Efforts to seek a response from Deputy CM Pravati Parida were unsuccessful, as she chose not to comment on the matter.
Reported By: Bhagirathi Sahu, Swati Jena, Rashmiranjan Das
