Advocate Shantanu Sinha has begun his tenure as Chairperson of the Council of Human Rights for Social Justice & Empowerment, marking a significant step in his leadership journey within India’s human rights framework. A practicing advocate of the Calcutta High Court, he brings years of experience in criminal law, cyber law, and constitutional matters. His tenure is expected to emphasize institutional strengthening, protection of vulnerable groups, and expansion of legal awareness initiatives. With a background in pro bono services and social advocacy, Sinha aims to ensure that justice delivery systems remain accessible, balanced, and accountable across diverse communities.
New Delhi / Kolkata: In a significant development for India’s legal and human rights ecosystem, Dr. Shantanu Sinha, a practicing Advocate of the Calcutta High Court, has stepped into two major national leadership roles, marking a defining phase in his professional journey that bridges law, social justice, governance, and human rights advocacy.
On December 27, 2025, Dr. Sinha was appointed as the National Vice President of the World Human Rights Protection Commission (WHRPC) during a formal organizational session held at a five-star venue in New Delhi. Subsequently, on February 24, 2026, he assumed charge as the Chairperson of the Council of Human Rights for Social Justice & Empowerment, further expanding his leadership presence within India’s human rights advocacy framework.
These appointments are widely viewed not as isolated recognitions, but as the culmination of years of legal dedication, academic excellence, and sustained social engagement.
Global Human Rights Platform: WHRPC
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. The body brings together legal professionals, policymakers, academics, and civil society organizations from across the globe with a unified mission — promoting awareness, protection, and enforcement of human rights.
Dr. Sinha’s elevation to National Vice President signifies recognition of his consistent contributions in legal aid, grassroots advocacy, and justice delivery systems in India. In his new role, he is expected to strengthen WHRPC’s national presence, coordinate awareness campaigns, facilitate legal interventions, and contribute to policy advocacy on pressing human rights challenges.
Rashtriya Ashoka Samman Conferred
During the December 27 ceremony announcing his WHRPC appointment, Dr. Shantanu Sinha was conferred the prestigious “Rashtriya Ashoka Samman”, an honor approved by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India.
The award recognized his outstanding contributions in legal expertise, social work, and community-based initiatives. Observers note that this recognition reflects his dual professional identity — as both a courtroom advocate and a socially conscious public figure committed to justice for marginalized communities.
Academic Foundation and Legal Specialization
Dr. Sinha’s academic credentials reflect a strong legal foundation. He completed his law graduation from Sambalpur University and later earned an LL.M degree in Criminal Law and Cyber Law & Security from Mabsarovar Global University.
In 2021, he was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate — Doctorate in Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Social Work (Honoris Causa) — along with lifetime membership recognition from the World Human Rights Protection Commission. The honorary recognition was associated with international institutions including UNESCO, the British Council, IAEA, and the United Nations, acknowledging his contribution to social work and human rights advocacy.
His areas of legal focus include:
- Criminal Law
- Cyber Law & Security
- Constitutional Advocacy
- Social Justice Litigation
- Transition from Journalism and Filmmaking to Law
One of the most distinctive dimensions of Dr. Sinha’s career is his transition from journalism and filmmaking into the legal profession.
Before entering independent legal practice, he was recognized as a journalist and filmmaker. In 2022, he received the 8th Bharat Gourav Ananya Samman as Best Film Director for the Bengali film Anurag. He was also recognized at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2022 for his contribution to cinema.
Rather than continuing exclusively in the creative field, Dr. Sinha redirected his career toward law with a stated objective of ensuring fair justice for ordinary citizens. His media background, according to colleagues, shaped his understanding of social realities and institutional accountability.
Panel Advocate – Ministry of Law and Justice
In 2024, Dr. Shantanu Sinha joined as a Panel Advocate (Pro Bono Legal Services) under the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India.
This appointment positioned him within the government’s legal aid framework aimed at ensuring access to justice for marginalized and underprivileged communities. The role further strengthened his profile as a lawyer aligned with public service and social responsibility.
Multiple National and International Recognitions
Over the years, Dr. Sinha’s professional journey has been marked by numerous awards recognizing both legal excellence and social activism:
- Best Social Activist Award (2021) – Magic Book of Record, Faridabad, Haryana
- Bharat Gourav Ananya Samman 2022 – Best Film Director for Anurag
- Recognition at Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2022
- Guest of Honour – 13th Banga Shiromani Samman Award 2023
- Honoured as Advocate of Calcutta High Court (2024) by Calcutta High Court Cultural and Philanthropic Society
- Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Bharatiya Ratna Samman 2025
- UN Book of World Records 2025 – Dynamic Legal Advisor of the Year
- Padma Shri Gaurav Samman 2025
- PM Modi Vision of Bharat Award 2025
- Royal Bengal Icon Award 2025
- Rashtriya Ashoka Samman (2025)
Each recognition highlights different aspects of his professional engagement — law, social work, cultural contribution, and public service.
Chairperson – Council of Human Rights for Social Justice & Empowerment
On February 24, 2026, Dr. Sinha was appointed Chairperson of the Council of Human Rights for Social Justice & Empowerment, expanding his responsibilities from advisory leadership to executive oversight.
His expected mandate includes:
- Strengthening child protection initiatives
- Enhancing women’s safety frameworks
- Addressing misuse of legal provisions
- Supporting victims of injustice
- Promoting legal literacy and awareness campaigns
Observers note that this role gives him greater institutional capacity to influence programmatic implementation and policy engagement.
A Balanced Legal Philosophy
Upon assuming office as National Vice President of WHRPC, Dr. Sinha articulated a clear philosophy:
“Justice must protect the vulnerable without becoming a tool of injustice.”
He emphasized that while child protection and women’s safety must remain central priorities, there must also be safeguards against misuse of legal provisions and false implications. This balanced perspective — protecting victims while preventing wrongful prosecution — has come to define his legal ideology.
Strengthening Human Rights Advocacy in India
With leadership positions in both WHRPC and the Council of Human Rights for Social Justice & Empowerment, Dr. Shantanu Sinha is expected to:
- Enhance coordination between legal professionals and civil society organizations
- Promote nationwide awareness campaigns
- Support strategic legal interventions in human rights violations
- Advocate policy reforms
- Expand community-based legal literacy initiatives
Legal observers suggest that his elevation reflects a broader trend of integrating courtroom advocacy with structured human rights leadership.
Continuing a Journey of Law and Service
Dr. Shantanu Sinha’s professional trajectory — from journalism and filmmaking to legal practice and national human rights leadership — reflects transformation and sustained public commitment.
His recent appointments do not mark a conclusion, but rather a wider platform to pursue justice at scale. More than awards or titles, his career underscores a consistent principle: law must uphold dignity, empower the marginalized, and maintain balance within society.
As India navigates complex legal and human rights challenges, Dr. Shantanu Sinha’s expanding responsibilities position him as an increasingly influential figure within the country’s legal and social justice landscape.
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