Advocate Radhakanta Tripathy belongs to a genre of Homo-Sapiens, whose numbers are dwindling by every passing day. In a world full of sick hurry and divided aims, restless jobs and overtaxed brains, plastic flowers and pretended busy men, Tripathy works like a Cassandra by wielding the instrument of PIl (Public Interest litigation) dexterously well till he provides panacea to the sea of suffering humanity regardless of the hype and hoopla of the print and electronic media. He is neither elevated by honour and nor are encomiums heaped upon him by his clients, nor depressed by ignominy when his clients give him transparent stares of un-recognition, even after receiving their bonanza of justice and fair play of which Tripathy is the author. The joy for him lies in upholding justice to the voiceless and defenceless people who bear their crosses throughout their life under the revenge of poverty, tyranny, suppression, oppression and corruption. Tripathy provides them irresistible balm of Soothing charm and sensation to those lacerated human souls through his instrument of PIl. By now, he has crossed ten thousand eight hundred marks in filing human rights cases before the National Human Rights Commission. Thousands of nameless villagers of Assam, inhabitants suffering from lack of basic amenities in the remote villagers of India have been ensured justice without knowing him personally. He could bring law into action in cases of death due to manhole, electrocution, man-animal conflict, starvation or malnutrition, etc. Born at Bhadrak, Tripathy is one of the unsung and unnoticed heroes of the world who is responsible for resolving many issues in India. Till date, nobody has paid a single paisa or extended help to him in the voyage of his struggle for protection of human rights and environment. As an individual, his contribution is unparalleled.
Out of ten thousand cases, substantial ones relate to the denial and deprivation of basic human rights of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and poor, marginal and destitute living in the remote parts of Odisha. Even if none has paid a penny for his endeavour, his tireless effort made social justice a reality. Another day in the field of environment protection, “World Clay Day”, which is Tripathy’s creation, has already been recognised by the limca Books of Records. In a telephonic interview to The Pioneer, Tripathy spoke to Sugyan Choudhury from his headquarters at New Delhi.
In most of the cases you handle, the beneficiaries don’t know you personally. Even after getting relief, they have never minded in inquiring how they got it. Many remain ignorant and others ungrateful. What do you feel at this human natureIJ
In this typical world, the journey from Homo-Sapiens to human beings needs “education and civility”. If a person is educated, he/she shall strive for justice and recognise the person who remains instrumental in ensuring justice to them. In case he/she is civilised, gratitude flows from within like a fountain. Society has become sick; therefore, it needs ‘Pills’ in the form of action by intervention of activists from judicial, quasi-judicial, other authorities. let the society heal fast; then, it will react in a healthy manner. I don’t bother if somebody recognises me or not. My petitions, applications, complaints and subsequent actions are silent sentinels of my work.
The celebration of various days dedicated to different aspects of life and to different stakeholders of society deserves universal acceptance and huge applause. How you visualised the unique idea of observance of a “World Clay Day”IJ
To promote healthy environment and civic sense, various days are being observed. I thought of adding another day. Steadily, its acceptance has been growing up.
Describe the current position of human rights in India and suggest ways for its betterment.
Population explosion with lack of commensurate basic amenities, education, etc., makes things worse. However, things seem to improve in certain areas and their lack need serious attention in certain other areas. A commitment to bring education and maintain sustainability while executing plans and projects from different branches of knowledge is required for betterment of human rights of common human being in India. The world deviates from “Wholistic” to “Holistic”, which in my opinion is too linear. An education system that promotes a broad world view is bound to ensure better human rights and produce humane thinkers.
Would you briefly tell the obstacles you face in your lifeIJ
When one tries to fight against an unruly system, corrupt practice, etc,, the obstacles are manifold. It starts from the system, spreads to financial hazard, threats, sacrifice of personal life, etc.; which the person who suffers only can realise. Not that everything can be expressed in words.
You have been working long covering the entire country. What are the major issues you come acrossIJ
The children in Assam detention homes, plight of refugees in Mizoram and Tripura, fake encounters in various parts of India, social evils like sorcery, witchcraft, child marriage and virginity test, etc., disturbed me a lot. I have been fighting for the causes in the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The most sensitive issues relate to large-scale displacement in Odisha. I visualise a ray of justice through my petitions. lack of basic amenities in villages, schools in different States could be addressed after my intervention. But there are many where action is yet to come.
You have been instrumental in filling up the vacancies in various national commissions meant for the vulnerable segments of the society. Briefly explain why intervention was required when the Government is duty-bound to do its duty under the ConstitutionIJ
Many Constitutional provisions have been violated by the Government itself. That’s why PIls are required. Being a lawyer and activist, I could not resist myself from filing PIls in the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court. Acting on my PIls, the courts directed the Government of India to ensure the National Human Rights Commission, the National Commission for Women and the National Commission for Scheduled Caste.