The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a stern warning to key Odisha authorities, threatening coercive action if they fail to submit pending reports within two weeks. The commission expressed dissatisfaction over the non-compliance with its earlier directives.
Non-Compliance by Odisha Officials
On Wednesday, the NHRC noted that the chief secretary of Odisha, the principal secretary of the transport department, the collector and district magistrate of Cuttack, and the Cuttack Municipal Corporation commissioner have not filed the required action taken reports. The commission cautioned that it may invoke powers under Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, if the delay persists.
Background of the Complaint
The case stems from a complaint filed by Akshaya Kumar Pandey and other residents of ward no. 56, alleging denial of basic civic amenities to nearly 50,000 people. Although the locality has been part of the municipal corporation since 1997, it continues to face acute infrastructure deficiencies.
The petition also raised safety concerns over a dilapidated bridge on the Kuakhai river. It alleged that heavy vehicles are allowed to ply on the structure during restricted hours, endangering commuters and residents. The complainants accused authorities of negligence in maintaining the bridge and enforcing traffic regulations.
Previous Orders and Partial Response
On March 11, 2026, the NHRC took cognizance of the issue and sought detailed reports from multiple state authorities within four weeks. In a partial response on April 17, the superintendent of police, Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC), Odisha, informed the commission that the matter largely falls within the jurisdiction of the municipal corporation. The report added that the civic body had been asked to address the grievances, while traffic authorities were directed to verify and regulate heavy vehicle movement on the bridge. Police deployment was also initiated at the site to prevent violations during restricted hours.
Fresh Directions and Warning
Unsatisfied with the limited response and continued silence from other departments, the NHRC issued fresh directions on April 22, requiring submission of the requisite report within two weeks. The commission also directed the superintendent of police, HRPC, Odisha, Cuttack to submit a further status report within the same timeframe.
In its March 11 order, the commission had observed: "It is surprising that ward no. 56 has been a part of Cuttack Municipality Corporation since 1997 and the residents are far away from basic amenities. Instead of maintaining the river bridge, authorities are endangering it by allowing heavy vehicles during restricted hours. If the allegations are true, it is a serious human rights violation."
Constitutional Implications
The NHRC further noted that the issues raised directly relate to the right to life and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Ward no. 56 comprises several villages, including Uttamapur, Subhadrapur, Tentulinali, Gopalpur (P), Amaniapatana, Mukameswar, Behera Sahi, Kazipatna, Balikuda (Nuabazar), Paika Sahi (P), Bhanpur (P), Rajnagar Patana, Sampur, and Gopalpur Badhei Sahi.
