NHRC probes suicide of surrogacy victim alleging sexual harassment

New Delhi & Telangana: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report regarding a 25-year-old woman from Odisha who allegedly died by suicide in Hyderabad after being subjected to sexual harassment, raising serious concerns about human rights violations in surrogacy practices.

NHRC issues notices to Telangana authorities

The NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Telangana, demanding a detailed report on the case, including the status of the FIR filed. The Commission has also sought information on whether complaints of harassment related to surrogacy have been reported in the state. The authorities have been given two weeks to respond.

Details of the incident

The victim, brought to Hyderabad under a surrogacy agreement worth Rs 10 lakh, was made to live separately from her husband and child in a flat in the Raidurgam area. According to reports, she informed her husband on 26th November 2024, that she was being harassed and expressed her intention to end her life. The next day, she allegedly died by suicide.

Allegations of sexual harassment

The woman’s husband, who was staying nearby with their four-year-old son, reported that his wife had confided about the sexual harassment by a man. Her inability to endure the situation reportedly led her to take the drastic step.

Rising concerns over surrogacy practices

The case has spotlighted the plight of women involved in surrogacy, particularly those brought in through middlemen. The NHRC has emphasized the need for stringent oversight to protect women from exploitation and harassment under the guise of surrogacy agreements.

Call for action

The incident has raised serious concerns about the lack of regulatory mechanisms in surrogacy practices and the vulnerability of women, especially those from economically weaker sections. The NHRC’s intervention aims to ensure accountability and prevent further violations of human rights.

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for comprehensive laws and enforcement to safeguard women against exploitation in surrogacy arrangements.