National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

  • NHRC is apex statutory watchdog of human rights in the country, i.e. the rights related to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the international convents.
  • It was established in 1993 as per the statutory provisions of Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
  • This act defines Human Rights as “Rights Relating To Life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the International Covenants and enforceable by courts in India.
  • It is multimember body consisting of Chairman and four members  (excluding the ex-officio members).
  • President appoints the Chairman and members of the NHRC on the recommendation of the high-powered committee headed by the Prime Minister.
  • In addition, the Chairpersons of National Commissions serve as ex officio members.
  • Its headquarters is located in New Delhi.
  • NHRC can either take suo motu cognisance of cases through media reports or complaint filed by victim or any other person on his or her behalf or on basis of reports received from the police department.
  • Functions of NHRC:
    • Investigate violations of human rights committed by the government.
    • Intervene in legal proceedings related to human rights.
    • Recommend to provide relief to the victims and their families.
    • Review protection provided by Constitution.
    • Study international treaties related to human rights, etc. and recommend for effective implementation on its basis.
    • Promote research in the field of human rights.
    • Spread human rights education in different sections of the society.

2 thoughts on “National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)”

  1. NHRC and SHRC members are eligible for reappointment (different from “further employment”) subject to the age of 70 years…
    Reference – Protection of human rights act, 1993

    @ias4sure Get Ur facts right n don’t upload wrong information

    1. Thanks for pointing it out. However, you are free to NOT refer our website if you find there are wrong information. If you are using it, then be a bit thankful rather than being our master. We are not doing it for you and you are not paying us to do this work.

      As you yourself has mentioned the complexity of “70 years” and “No further employment” in NHRC and SHRC members appointment conditions, while trying to make our notes short, the statement has become a bit complex (or confusing). This happened because we tried to shorten our notes otherwise there is no point in copy pasting entire Act here. We will try to make it more simplified.

      In our statement, we have mentioned “after retirement” which in itself means that members has retired from NHRC and SHRC and in this context thus we are talking about appointment in other organisations.

      ADB for your exam

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