Bhubaneswar: Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has taken cognisance of a complaint alleging denial of food to students residing in boys’ hostels at Utkal University owing to prolonged non-functioning of hostel mess facilities and closure of the university’s central canteen.The complaint was filed by Prabir Kumar Das, an alumnus of Utkal University, and a human rights activist. In his petition, Das alleged that students staying in the boys’ hostels have been facing hardship as the mess has remained non-operational since the 2025-26 academic session and continues to remain shut in the current session. He also highlighted prolonged closure of the university’s Central Canteen.Hearing the matter on Aug 24, the commission has observed that the issues raised in the complaint prima facie, indicated a violation of human rights of affected students and decided to take cognisance of the matter.OHRC has directed the registrar of Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar to submit a factual report addressing allegations raised in the complaint. The report has been sought before the next hearing scheduled for Nov 27.
