NHRC takes suo motu cognisance of Odisha woman’s 12-year social ostracisation, seeks report

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a reported case of social ostracisation of an elderly woman and her family in Odisha’s Sundargarh district, allegedly culminating in villagers refusing to assist with her last rites after her death.

Issuing a notice to the Odisha Chief Secretary, the Commission has sought a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

According to an NHRC statement, the incident occurred in Mahuldiha village, where the woman and her family were allegedly subjected to a social boycott for 12 years. The ostracisation reportedly began after her daughter briefly left home with a man belonging to another caste, following which villagers imposed a penalty on the family.

The family was unable to pay the penalty, resulting in their continued exclusion from the village community.

Citing media reports, the Commission noted that the woman died while living under the prolonged social boycott. It was further reported that villagers did not extend support to her daughter in performing the last rites. The funeral was eventually carried out following intervention by the local administration, with assistance from non-governmental organisations.