Internship Experience @ Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission, Bhopal

This Internship Experience has been submitted by Aagya Dubey as a part of the campus leaders program.

Name

Aagya Dubey

Name of the College

Jagran Lakecity University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Name of the Organisation

Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission, Paryawas Bhawan, Block – 1, Jail Rd, Arera Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462011

Duration of Internship

02/01/2025 to 31/01/2025

How did you Apply?

I submitted the application in person to the MPHRC, Bhopal.

First-Day Formalities, Infrastructure, and First Impression

The formalities started with an orientation session on the first day of the internship at the Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission (MPHRC), where trainees learned about the goals, structure, and calendar of events during the internship. Under the guidance of the internship head, Shri Sanjeev Vishwakarma Sir, who was instrumental in the program, the orientation was held. During the month-long internship, interns received briefings on the MPHRC’s operations, legal authority under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, and their duties.

Along with activities pertaining to legal research, case study talks, and field visits, interns also got internship kits. A professional atmosphere was created right away by explicitly communicating the dress code, conduct requirements, attendance procedures, and reporting formats.

Facilities: The Bhopal MPHRC office is professional and well-equipped. It provides: Large conference spaces for lively conversations and sessions, Workstations specifically designated for interns and employees, Availability of printed court documents, reports, and rulings.

The workplace area is well-organized, has comfortable chairs, and is clean. For an organization of such constitutional significance, the infrastructure fostered a climate of gravity and legal etiquette. First Impression: The initial impression was really favorable. The officers and personnel were friendly, courteous, and supportive, especially the Honorable Member Shri Rajeev Tandon and the Honorable Acting Chairperson Shri Manohar Mamtani.

The professional yet welcoming atmosphere inspired and welcomed the interns. It was evident from the internship’s planned framework and methodical approach that MPHRC values interns’ time and aims to deliver a worthwhile educational experience. The Commission’s dedication to protecting justice and human rights was immediately apparent to interns, giving them a feeling of direction and accountability right away.

Main Tasks

The primary duties given to interns during their winter internship at the Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission (MPHRC) included exposure to human rights law and institutional operations on both an academic and practical level. In addition to studying international human rights agreements including the UDHR, ICCPR, and CEDAW, interns conducted legal research on subjects pertaining to the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

Case study was a major component of the internship; interns studied actual complaints and case summaries that the Commission handled to get insight into the legal and administrative processes involved in addressing human rights issues.

Additionally, they participated in interactive sessions with legal officials and honorable members, which improved their conceptual clarity. In order to see how human rights safeguards are actually implemented on the ground, interns also took part in field trips to locations such as the State Crime Record Bureau (SCRB), the Govindpura Police Station, the Forensic Science Lab, the DNA Lab, and the Dial 100 control room.

A comprehensive grasp of Madhya Pradesh’s human rights enforcement procedures was guaranteed by the combination of desk research, casework, institutional contact, and on-site visits.

Work Environment

The work environment at the Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission (MPHRC) was structured, disciplined, and intellectually stimulating. Interns were treated with professionalism and respect, fostering a space conducive to learning and engagement. The officials, including Hon’ble Members and legal officers, were approachable and encouraged interns to ask questions and participate actively in discussions.

Daily sessions were well-organized, covering diverse topics in human rights law, and were often accompanied by real-life examples or case studies, which helped bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. The mentorship of Shri Sanjeev Vishwakarma Sir stood out—his patient guidance, structured approach, and commitment to legal education created a highly supportive environment.

The environment remained friendly and participatory in spite of the official setting. Interns worked together on projects, exchanged ideas, and engaged in thoughtful dialogue about delicate human rights concerns. The office allowed for debate and intellectual curiosity while maintaining propriety.

All things considered, the MPHRC work environment offered the appropriate balance of exposure, support, and discipline—perfect for law students who want to comprehend the institutional mechanisms of justice and human rights protection.

Good Things about the Internship

The internship at the Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission (MPHRC) provided numerous enriching experiences, making it quite worthwhile. One of the most remarkable parts was the broad exposure to national and international human rights frameworks.

Interns studied not only constitutional and statutory articles, but also global instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the CEDAW.

Another highlight was the interactive discussions with top officials and Hon’ble Members of the Commission, which provided firsthand knowledge of the issues and procedures associated with human rights enforcement. Their counsel simplified complex legal ideas and inspired a greater commitment to public service.

Field trips to police stations, forensic labs, the State Crime Record Bureau, and the Dial 100 control room provided valuable practical experience with how human rights protections work on the ground.

The controlled and disciplined setting, paired with a supportive mentor (Shri Sanjeev Vishwakarma Sir), facilitated active involvement, research, and discussion. The internship not only increased legal knowledge, but it also boosted communication, research, and critical thinking abilities. Overall, it was a multifaceted experience that extended beyond textbooks and classrooms.

Bad Things about the Internship

While the internship at the Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission (MPHRC) was generally beneficial, a few aspects may be modified to provide a more balanced learning experience. One drawback was a lack of hands-on legal drafting or complaint management experience. Interns examined case summaries but were not immediately involved in real case analysis or documentation, which would have provided more practical experience.

Furthermore, some field visits were hasty or lacking follow-up discussions, making it difficult to fully understand the institutions’ role in the human rights framework. A brief post-visit debriefing or organized feedback session may have improved understanding.

There were also periodic delays in commencing scheduled sessions, which disrupted the flow of learning and limited opportunity for more involved conversations. Furthermore, the workload allocation was uneven—some days were heavy, while others were very light, which may have been better balanced.

Despite these little flaws, the overall value of the internship was great. Addressing these concerns in future batches could make the program even more valuable to aspiring legal professionals.

Monthly Stipend

None

Details about the Accommodation, Commuting to the Office

As a resident of Bhopal for four years, obtaining a law degree at Jagran Lakecity University, I did not require separate accommodations for my internship at the Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission (MPHRC). Staying at my flat gave me the comfort and familiarity I needed to manage both the internship and my other academic responsibilities well.

Given MPHRC’s central location in Bhopal, transportation was generally easy, and the city’s well-developed road network made getting from home to work simple. The regular availability of Rapido trips reduced any transportation-related stress, allowing me to focus only on the internship’s learning experience.

Anything else you want to share?

The internship with MPHRC was not only a professional experience, but also an opportunity for personal growth and introspection. One of the most important takeaways was learning the value of empathy in law—understanding that every file or complaint contains a human tale that requires sensitivity, not simply legal expertise.

To unwind after rigorous meetings and field excursions, I frequently went for short walks near the office or spent quiet evenings at home listening to music—a personal stress reliever. Occasionally, I caught up with fellow interns over tea and quick discussions, which provided a lighter tone to the otherwise hard study schedule.

This internship taught me that true legal work necessitates patience, meticulous attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of institutional limitations. It also reinforced my notion that law is more than just laws; it is about fairness, decency, and compassion.

Overall, the event reminded me of why I decided to study law in the first place: to make a positive difference in people’s lives.

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