Patna : Bihar ranks third among Indian states and Union Territories in the number of human rights complaints registered with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) since its establishment in 1993, according to figures reported from the commission. Uttar Pradesh ranks first, followed by Delhi.
Bihar has recorded 1,22,954 complaints, of which 1,20,551 have been disposed of, leaving 2,403 cases pending. Patna accounts for the highest number of complaints among districts in Bihar, with 12,792 cases registered to date.
During a special two-day hearing held at Gyan Bhawan in Patna on October 7 and 8, the NHRC considered 70 cases, disposed of 65 and ordered Rs 1.5 crore in compensation for victims and their dependants, according to the report.
Bihar Records Over 1.22 Lakh Human Rights Complaints
The NHRC was established in 1993 to address complaints relating to human rights violations and promote the protection of fundamental rights.
Since its formation, the commission has registered 11.88 lakh complaints from Uttar Pradesh and 1.69 lakh from Delhi, placing Bihar third in the reported national figures.
Of Bihar’s 1,22,954 registered complaints, 1,20,551 have been disposed of, while 2,403 remain pending. Uttar Pradesh has disposed of approximately 11.77 lakh cases, while Delhi has disposed of around 1.66 lakh.
Patna Tops District-Wise Complaints In Bihar
Patna has recorded the highest number of human rights complaints among Bihar’s districts, with 12,792 cases registered since the commission began its work.
Of these, 12,490 cases have been disposed of, while 302 remain pending.
The other districts with high complaint counts include:
| District | Cases registered | Cases disposed of | Pending cases |
| Patna | 12,792 | 12,490 | 302 |
| Muzaffarpur | 7,925 | 7,681 | 244 |
| Samastipur | 6,868 | 6,744 | 124 |
| Gaya Ji | 6,728 | 6,664 | 64* |
The source report lists 124 pending cases for Gaya Ji, although the registered and disposed figures imply 64. The discrepancy requires verification.
Police-Related Complaints Account For The Largest Share
Complaints against the police form the largest category of reported human rights grievances in Bihar. A total of 35,902 complaints have been registered against the police, of which 35,285 have been disposed of and 617 remain pending.
The figures reported for other categories include crimes against women, offences against children and deaths in custody.
| Category | Cases registered | Cases disposed of | Pending cases |
| Complaints against police | 35,902 | 35,285 | 617 |
| Crimes against women | 8,899 | 8,716 | 183 |
| Deaths in prison custody | 4,311 | 4,151 | 160 |
| Crimes against children | 1,891 | 1,730 | 161 |
| Deaths in police lock-ups | 238 | 217 | 21 |
| Deaths in shelter homes | 19 | 15 | 4 |
The figures cover complaints registered over the period reported and should not be interpreted as annual totals.
NHRC Flags Deaths In Prisons And Police Lock-Ups
NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian said deaths in prisons and police lock-ups amount to direct violations of human rights.
Speaking during the Patna hearing, he referred to the death of Sachin, a resident of Naubatpur, who died in Beur Jail around three years ago. According to the report, he did not receive timely medical treatment.
The commission ordered Rs 5 lakh in compensation for Sachin’s dependants in connection with the case.
Justice Ramasubramanian also said that human rights violations in Bihar had declined compared with earlier years and that cases were being disposed of more quickly.
Special Hearing Resolves 65 Of 70 Cases
The special hearing at Gyan Bhawan on October 7 and 8 focused on pending complaints and cases requiring the commission’s consideration.
Of the 70 cases taken up, 65 were disposed of, and the commission ordered a total of Rs 1.5 crore in compensation for victims and their dependants.
The hearing provided an opportunity to examine complaints, review individual cases and issue directions for relief where warranted.
Focus On Accountability And Timely Justice
The reported figures show that Bihar has disposed of most of the human rights complaints registered with the NHRC, although 2,403 cases remain pending.
Police-related grievances make up the largest category in the state, while reported deaths in prisons and police lock-ups remain an area of concern highlighted by the commission.
The NHRC’s special hearing in Patna and its compensation orders underline the importance of timely investigations, access to medical care in custody and accountability when human rights are violated.
