New Delhi: In a significant development for India’s human rights community, Dr. Shantanu Sinha, a practising Advocate of the Calcutta High Court, has been appointed as the National Vice President of the World Human Rights Protection Commission (WHRPC). Dr. Sinha also serves as a panel counsel for the Department of Justice under the Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, and is widely known for combining legal expertise with grassroots social engagement.
The World Human Rights Protection Commission is a US-based governmental organization authorized by the New York Department of State and the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office. It brings together legal professionals, academics, and social organizations from across the world with a shared mission: to promote awareness, protection, and enforcement of human rights for people everywhere.
Dr. Sinha’s appointment was announced on December 27,2025 during an organizational session of WHRPC held at a five-star venue in New Delhi. The occasion also marked a moment of recognition for his long-standing public service, as he was conferred with the “Rashtriya Ashoka Samman”—an honour awarded for his contributions to social welfare, legal aid, and community-based work.
Over the years, Dr. Sinha has built a reputation not just as a courtroom professional, but as a lawyer deeply invested in social justice. His work has consistently reflected a concern for those who often find themselves at the margins of the legal system. Whether through legal assistance, advocacy, or public engagement, his approach has remained rooted in the belief that law must serve people, not intimidate them.
Speaking after assuming office, Dr. Sinha outlined a clear and focused agenda. He emphasized that child protection and women’s safety would remain at the centre of his work. At the same time, he voiced concern over the growing misuse of legal processes and expressed his commitment to acting against cases where individuals are falsely implicated. “Justice must protect the vulnerable without becoming a tool of injustice,” he remarked, underscoring the need for balance, accountability, and fairness within the system.
With this new role, Dr. Shantanu Sinha is expected to strengthen WHRPC’s presence and initiatives in India. His leadership is likely to contribute to awareness campaigns, policy advocacy, and legal interventions that address real-world human rights challenges. More than a formal appointment, his elevation reflects a continuing journey—one shaped by law, service, and an enduring commitment to human dignity.
