Bhubaneswar, Jan 31: In a historic move, the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has issued a major directive against the practice of ‘Dahani’, declaring the use of the term a criminal offense. The directive, described as both historic and significant, comes after the Commission reviewed an application calling for stricter action against this harmful practice.
The OHRC’s review included a comprehensive assessment of the Odisha Dahani Victim Prevention Act, 2013, and the associated composite action plan notified in 2014. The Commission noted that the current law lacks clear and effective provisions to eliminate superstitious practices like Dahani, especially regarding forced village eviction, social ostracism, and inhumane treatment of victims.
The directive instructs authorities to:
The OHRC has directed the Home Department and the Women & Child Development Department to jointly revise the composite action plan, incorporating both short-term and long-term strategies. The departments are also instructed to take strict action against individuals responsible for neglect or violations under the law.
The Commission emphasized that these steps are crucial to uproot the deeply entrenched and harmful practice of Dahani from Odisha’s villages.
