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 Chairperson of the Council of Human Rights for Social Justice & Empowerment.
Early Life and Education
Dr. Shantanu Sinha completed his law graduation from Sambalpur University. He 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 global institutions including UNESCO, the British Council, IAEA, and the United Nations.
Career
Journalism and Filmmaking
Before entering independent legal practice, Dr. Sinha worked 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.
Legal Profession
Dr. Sinha later transitioned into the legal profession with a focus on criminal law, cyber law, constitutional advocacy, and social justice. He practices as an Advocate at the Calcutta High Court.
In 2024, he joined as a Panel Advocate (Pro Bono Legal Services) under the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India.
Human Rights Leadership
World Human Rights Protection Commission (WHRPC)
On 27 December 2025, Dr. Shantanu Sinha was appointed as the National Vice President of the World Human Rights Protection Commission (WHRPC) during an organizational session held in New Delhi.
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 includes legal professionals, academics, policymakers, and social organizations working toward awareness, protection, and enforcement of human rights.
Council of Human Rights for Social Justice & Empowerment
On 24 February 2026, he was appointed as the Chairperson of the Council of Human Rights for Social Justice & Empowerment.
His mandate includes:
- Strengthening child protection initiatives
- Enhancing women’s safety frameworks
- Addressing misuse of legal provisions
- Supporting victims of injustice
- Promoting awareness campaigns and legal literacy
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Shantanu Sinha has received multiple national and international recognitions:
- Best Social Activist Award (2021) – Magic Book of Record, Faridabad, Haryana
- Bharat Gourav Ananya Samman 2022 – Best Film Director for Anurag
- Recognition – 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)
During the 27 December 2025 ceremony announcing his WHRPC appointment, he was conferred the "Rashtriya Ashoka Samman", approved by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India.
Legal Philosophy
Upon assuming office as National Vice President of WHRPC, Dr. Sinha emphasized child protection and women’s safety as central priorities. He also highlighted concerns regarding misuse of legal processes and false implications within the justice system.
He stated:
“Justice must protect the vulnerable without becoming a tool of injustice.”
His approach emphasizes balance between victim protection and prevention of wrongful prosecution.
Public Engagement and Social Work
Dr. Sinha is known for his engagement with marginalized communities through legal aid, advocacy, and public awareness initiatives. His work focuses on ensuring access to justice and strengthening accountability within human rights frameworks.
Contact Information
Hastings Chambers 7C Kiran Sankar Roy Road Kolkata – 700001 West Bengal, India
Email: advocateshantanusinha@gmail.com Phone: +91 97323 03000 Website: http://www.shantanusinha.in