Retired Orissa High Court judge Raghubir Dash has been authorised to act as the chairperson of Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) with immediate effect until appointment of a regular chairperson. Justice Dash was an OHRC Member since December last. A notification to this effect was issued by the State Law Department on Thursday. The OHRC, ever since its establishment in 2003, has seen only two permanent chairpersons. The relevant Act also stipulates that two other members will assist the chairman. Justice DP Mohapatra was the first chairman, who occupied the post from January 2003 to August 2007.
Justice RK Patra held the post from January 2008 to November 2012.
According to reports, over 10,000 cases are now pending disposal at the OHRC.