Bhubaneswar: Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has observed that the use of the term ‘dahani’ (witch) should be treated as a criminal offence, while hearing a 2018 witch-hunting case. A petition seeking justice for the victims of the incident in Sundargarh district was filed by human rights activist Biswapriya Kanungo. He received the OHRC order on Saturday. During the hearing, the commission reviewed the Odisha Prevention of Witch-hunting Act, 2013, and the composite action plan notified in 2017, and found several gaps in enforcement and prevention of witchcraft-related violence despite the existing legal framework. OHRC observed that there was no significant change despite the law and the action plan, with such incidents recurring in different parts of the state.OHRC noted that the law lacks safeguards against social boycott and forced displacement of victims from their communities. Calling for a gender-neutral law with greater focus on prevention and rehabilitation, OHRC asked the home and women and child development departments to work jointly to examine the present situation and take steps for necessary amendments to the existing statute. It stressed the need to fill gaps by placing special emphasis on preventive measures and restorative justice. The commission further asked the home department to declare the use of the word ‘dahani’ in any form an offence. It also directed that the action plan be suitably amended by incorporating short-term and long-term measures, including fixing accountability on persons responsible for lapses or omissions. Additionally, OHRC suggested that the home department should constitute a team of officials to identify witch-hunting-affected gram panchayats and other vulnerable areas to ensure effective enforcement of laws and provide remedial measures to victims under govt welfare schemes. It also recommended that chief secretary Anu Garg instruct district collectors and various departments to carry out awareness drives in local dialects on the Act’s provisions.
