The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India is a statutory body established in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It is tasked with overseeing the protection and promotion of human rights in India, focusing on rights related to life, liberty, equality, and dignity, as guaranteed by the Indian Constitution and international covenants.
Key Points:
- Establishment: NHRC was established by an Act of Parliament, the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, making it a statutory (not constitutional) body.
- Functions: The commission's functions include investigating complaints of human rights violations, making recommendations to the government, reviewing laws and policies for their human rights impact, and promoting awareness of human rights.
- Objectives: The commission aims to strengthen institutional arrangements to address human rights issues, investigate allegations of excesses independently, and complement existing government efforts in this direction.
- Powers: NHRC has the powers of a civil court, such as summoning witnesses, requiring evidence, and conducting investigations. However, its proceedings have a judicial character.
- Limitations: The commission's functions are primarily recommendatory in nature, meaning it cannot directly enforce its recommendations. Its recommendations are not binding, and it cannot award relief to victims or punish violators.
- Time Constraints: The NHRC can only inquire into matters within one year of the alleged violation of human rights. After this time frame, it is not empowered to investigate the issue.
- Reporting: The concerned government or authority must inform the commission about the action taken on its recommendations within one month.
Headquarters:
The NHRC's headquarters is located in Delhi, though it may establish offices in other parts of the country.
Overall Role:
The NHRC plays a crucial role in advocating for human rights and investigating human rights violations in India. While its powers are limited to making recommendations, its presence and work serve to hold the government accountable and raise awareness about human rights issues.
National Human Rights Commission : Composition
