NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Meetings of the Commission 2.11 During the year under review, the Full Commission took up 566 cases of human rights violations in its 36 sittings. In addition, the two Division Benches considered 1595 cases in 91 sittings. 24 cases of Kashmiri migrants were also considered in 3 sittings of the Commission in the open court hearings. NHRC Camp Sittings 2.12 The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has been organizing camp sittings in different States in order to expedite disposal of pending complaints and sensitize the State functionaries on the human rights. During the period under review, the Commission held Camp Sittings in Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha. The Commission considered 51 cases in its sittings of Full Commission and 28 cases in Division Benches in these camp sittings. NHRC Open Hearings on Atrocities against Scheduled Castes 2.13 During the period under review, the Commission took up 270 cases in its Open Hearings held at Patna, Bihar - 67 cases (21 April 2017), Ranchi, Jharkhand - 69 cases (7 September 2017), Puducherry -17 cases (16 December 2017), Bhubaneswar, Odisha - 107 cases (9 January 2017) and Andaman & Nicobar Islands - 10 cases (19 January 2017). Dissemination of NHRC Information and Interaction with Media 2.14 The NHRC, through Media and Communication wing, disseminates information about the NHRC activities through various means. These include press releases, media briefings, press conference, interviews of Chairperson and Members. Deputy Director (M&C) also provides feedback to the Commission about human rights issues reported in the media and also gives news clippings for suo motu cognizance taken by the Commission. Outreach Mechanism 2.15 During the period from 01.04.2016 to 31.03.2017, about 139 press releases/statements were prepared and issued by the Media & Communication Wing about the various interventions and activities of the Commission. About 99 news clippings were brought to the notice of the Commission for consideration of suo motu cognizance. In order to give an idea about the issues reported in a media related to NHRC’s role and interventions, daily news clippings are uploaded on the website of the Commission. A monthly compendium of these news clippings is prepared and sent to the library for record and reference by people visiting library. 6 ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017