Dr. Shantanu Sinha
Nationality: Indian
Occupation: Advocate, Human Rights Leader, Social Activist, Former Journalist & Filmmaker
Known_for: Criminal Law, Human Rights Advocacy, Social Justice Initiatives
Organization: Calcutta High Court
World Human Rights Protection Commission (WHRPC)
Council of Human Rights for Social Justice & Empowerment
Title: National Vice President, WHRPC
Chairperson, Council of Human Rights for Social Justice & Empowerment
Awards: Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Bharatiya Ratna Samman (2025)
UN Book of World Records (2025)
Padma Shri Gaurav Samman (2025)
PM Modi Vision of Bharat Award (2025)
Royal Bengal Icon Award (2025)
Rashtriya Ashoka Samman (2025)
Education: LL.M (Criminal Law & Cyber Law & Security)
Law Graduate – Sambalpur University
Ph.D. (Honoris Causa) in Social Work
Professional Role: Panel Advocate (Pro Bono Legal Services),
Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, Govt. of India
Website: * shantanusinha.in
Dr. Shantanu Sinha is an Indian advocate practicing at the Calcutta High Court and a human rights leader. He serves as the National Vice President of the World Human Rights Protection Commission (WHRPC) and was appointed Chairperson of the Council of Human Rights for Social Justice & Empowerment in 2026.
Early Life and Education
Dr. Sinha graduated in Law from Sambalpur University. He later obtained an LL.M degree in Criminal Law and Cyber Law & Security.
In 2021, he was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate (Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work – Honoris Causa) along with lifetime membership recognition by the World Human Rights Protection Commission. The recognition was associated with international institutions including UNESCO, the British Council, IAEA, and the United Nations.
Career Transition
Before entering legal practice, Sinha worked as a journalist and filmmaker. He was associated with Bengali cinema and received recognition as Best Film Director for the Bengali film Anurag at the 8th Bharat Gourav Ananya Samman (2022). He was also recognized at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards (2022).
He later transitioned into independent legal practice with the stated objective of fighting for fair justice for the general public. His legal practice focuses on criminal law, cyber law, constitutional matters, and social justice advocacy.
Legal Career
Dr. Sinha practices at the Calcutta High Court in Kolkata, West Bengal. Over the years, he has built a reputation for combining courtroom advocacy with social engagement.
In 2024, he joined as a Panel Advocate under the Department of Justice (Pro Bono Legal Services), Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India. This role involves providing legal assistance and contributing to access-to-justice initiatives for marginalized communities.
His legal philosophy emphasizes that law must serve people rather than intimidate them. He has consistently advocated for fairness, accountability, and balanced justice.
Human Rights Leadership
National Vice President – WHRPC
On 27 December 2025, Dr. Sinha was appointed as the National Vice President of the World Human Rights Protection Commission (WHRPC) during an organizational session held at a five-star venue in New Delhi.
WHRPC 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 globally to promote awareness, protection, and enforcement of human rights.
During the same ceremony, he was conferred with the "Rashtriya Ashoka Samman", approved by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, recognizing his contributions to legal expertise, social welfare, and community-based initiatives.
Chairperson – Council of Human Rights for Social Justice & Empowerment
On 24 February 2026, Dr. Sinha was appointed as the Chairperson of the Council of Human Rights for Social Justice & Empowerment.
In this role, his expected responsibilities include:
- Strengthening child protection initiatives
- Enhancing women’s safety frameworks
- Addressing misuse of legal provisions
- Acting against false legal implication cases
- Promoting awareness campaigns and legal literacy
- Supporting victims of injustice
He has publicly stated: “Justice must protect the vulnerable without becoming a tool of injustice.”
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Shantanu Sinha has received multiple national and international recognitions for his legal, social, and cultural contributions:
- Best Social Activist Award (Magic Book of Record, 2021) – State of West Bengal
- 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 by Calcutta High Court Cultural and Philanthropic Society (2024)
- 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)
Professional Philosophy
Dr. Sinha has emphasized that child protection and women’s safety remain central to his work. He has also expressed concern over the misuse of legal processes and false implications within the justice system.
His approach seeks to balance victim protection with safeguards against wrongful prosecution, advocating accountability and fairness within legal institutions.
Public Service and Social Engagement
Beyond courtroom practice, Dr. Sinha has been involved in social welfare initiatives, awareness campaigns, and policy advocacy related to human rights and access to justice. His leadership roles are expected to contribute to legal literacy initiatives, community outreach programs, and institutional strengthening of human rights mechanisms in India.
External links
- Official website – https://shantanusinha.in/