NHRC Issues Notice to Odisha Govt Over Social Boycott of Woman’s Family After Inter-Caste Marriage

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a disturbing incident in Odisha’s Rayagada district, where a woman’s family was reportedly subjected to a social boycott following her inter-caste marriage. Acting on media reports, the NHRC has issued a notice to the Odisha government, seeking a detailed response.

According to the Commission, the woman, belonging to a Scheduled Tribe (ST) community, had married a man from a Scheduled Caste (SC). Following their union, villagers allegedly ostracized her family, demanding a “purification ritual” as a condition for their re-acceptance into the community. The family was also reportedly threatened with an indefinite boycott if they failed to comply.

In its official statement, the NHRC described the incident as a serious violation of human rights and social dignity, stating that such practices undermine constitutional values and perpetuate caste-based discrimination. The Commission has asked the Odisha Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to submit a report within four weeks, detailing the action taken, the status of the victims, and any measures initiated to prevent such occurrences in the future.

The alleged incident has sparked outrage among rights activists, who have called for strict action against those enforcing the social boycott and demanded state intervention to safeguard the rights of inter-caste couples and their families.

As the investigation unfolds, the NHRC has reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights of marginalized communities and ensuring justice in cases of caste-based discrimination.