OHRC declares use of ‘Dahani’ term criminal offence, seeks stronger anti witch-hunting law in Odisha

The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) held that the use of the term ‘Dahani’, meaning witch, should be treated as a criminal offence and issued a set of strict directions to strengthen measures against witch-hunting practices in the state. 

The directions were issued on Friday while hearing a case dating back to 2018.

Review Of Existing Law And Action Plan

After admitting the petitioner’s application, the Commission undertook a comprehensive review of the Odisha Prevention of Witch-Hunting Act, 2013, along with the Composite Action Plan notified in 2014 for its implementation. 

During the review, the OHRC observed that the existing legal framework lacks clear and effective provisions to fully eliminate superstitious practices such as witch-hunting.

The Commission noted that despite the presence of legislation, gaps remain in addressing the root causes and consequences of witch-hunting, allowing such practices to persist in certain areas.

Gaps In Preventive And Protective Measures

The OHRC pointed out that the law does not contain explicit preventive provisions to curb forced displacement from villages, social boycott, exclusion from the community, or other forms of inhuman treatment arising from allegations of witch-hunting. 

It underlined that the absence of clear safeguards has contributed to the continuation of such practices.

In its directions, the Commission emphasised the need to criminalise the use of the word ‘Dahani’, make the law gender-neutral, and place greater focus on prevention, rehabilitation of victims, and restoration of justice.

Directions To State Departments

The Commission further directed the Home Department and the Women and Child Development Department to jointly revise the Composite Action Plan. 

The revised plan is to include both short-term and long-term action strategies aimed at effective implementation of the law.

Also Read: Odisha man kills mother suspecting her to be witch responsible for wife's miscarriage!

The OHRC also called for strict action against individuals found responsible for negligence in enforcing the provisions of the Act, stressing the need for accountability at all levels to ensure meaningful protection against witch-hunting-related abuses.