National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
drishtiias.com/printpdf/national-human-rights-commission-nhrc
To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity. — Nelson
Mandela
About
NHRC of India is an independent statutory body established on 12 October, 1993 as per provisions
of Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, later amended in 2006.
NHRC has celebrated its Silver Jubilee (25 years) on October 12, 2018. Its headquarter is located in
New Delhi.
It is the watchdog of human rights in the country, i.e. the rights related to life, liberty, equality and
dignity of the individual guaranteed by Indian Constitution or embodied in the international
covenants and enforceable by courts in India.
It was established in conformity with the Paris Principles, adopted for the promotion and
protection of human rights in Paris (October, 1991) and endorsed by the General Assembly of the
United Nations on 20 December, 1993.
What are Human Rights?
As per UN definition these rights are inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex,
nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status.
Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of
opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more.
These are entitled to everyone, without any discrimination.
Background
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations General
Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948.
It is a milestone declaration in the history of human rights which sets out, for the first time,
fundamental human rights to be universally protected.
Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December, which is the anniversary of the UDHR.
In 2018, Human Rights Day marked the 70th anniversary the declaration.
In due time the growing importance of strengthening national human rights institutions has been
recognized and in 1991, a UN meeting in Paris has developed a detailed set of principles i.e. Paris
Principles. These principles became the foundation for the establishment and operation of
national human rights institutions.
1/4
In pursuant to these principles, India has enacted the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, with
a view to bring about greater accountability and strengthening of the human rights in the country.
This act also authorized State Governments to establish State Human Right Commission.
The Human Rights Council
The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body created by the United Nations General
Assembly resolution on 15 March 2006.
It has replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
It is responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe
and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them.
It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention
throughout the year. It meets at the UN Office at Geneva.
The Council is made up of 47 United Nations Member States which are elected by the UN General
Assembly.
Structure of the Commission
NHRC is a multi-member body which consists of a Chairman and seven other members. Out of the
seven members, three are ex-officio member.
President appoints the Chairman and members of NHRC on recommendation of high-powered
committee headed by Prime Minister.
The Chairperson and the members of the NHRC are appointed for 5 years or till the age of 70 years,
whichever is earlier.
They can be removed only on the charges of proved misbehavior or incapacity, if proved by an
inquiry conducted by a Supreme Court Judge.
Commission also has five Specialized Divisions i.e. Law Division, Investigation Division, Policy
Research & Programmes Division, Training Division and Administration Division.
The chairman and the members of State Commission are appointed by the Governor in
consultation with the Chief Minister, Home Minister, Speaker of Legislative Assembly and Leader of
the Opposition in the State Legislative Assembly.
Functions and Powers of NHRC
2/4
NHRC investigates grievances regarding the violation of human rights either suo moto or after
receiving a petition.
It has the power to interfere in any judicial proceedings involving any allegation of violation of
human rights.
It can visit any jail or any other institution under the control of the State Government to see the
living conditions of the inmates and to make recommendations thereon.
It can review the safeguards provided under the constitution or any law for the protection of the
human rights and can recommend appropriate remedial measures.
NHRC undertakes and promotes research in the field of human rights.
NHRC works to spread human rights literacy among various sections of society and promotes
awareness of the safeguards available for the protection of these rights through publications,
media, seminars and other means.
The Commission takes an independent stand while providing opinions for the protection of human
rights within the parlance of the Constitution or in law for the time being enforced.
It has the powers of a civil court and can grant interim relief.
It also has the authority to recommend payment of compensation or damages.
NHRC credibility is duly reflected in large number of complaints received every year and the trust
reposed in it by the citizens.
It can recommend to both the central and state governments to take suitable steps to prevent the
violation of Human Rights. It submits its annual report to the President of India who causes it to be
laid before each House of Parliament.
Limitations of NHRC
NHRC does not have any mechanism of investigation. In majority cases, it asks the concerned
Central and State Governments to investigate the cases of the violation of Human Rights
It has been termed as ‘India’s teasing illusion’ by Soli Sorabjee (former Attorney-General of India)
due to its incapacity to render any practical relief to the aggrieved party.
NHRC can only make recommendations, without the power to enforce decisions.
Many times NHRC is viewed as post-retirement destinations for judges and bureaucrats with
political affiliation moreover, inadequacy of funds also hamper its working.
A large number of grievances go unaddressed because NHRC cannot investigate the complaint
registered after one year of incident.
Government often out rightly rejects recommendation of NHRC or there is partial compliance to
these recommendations.
State human rights commissions cannot call for information from the national government, which
means that they are implicitly denied the power to investigate armed forces under national control.
National Human Rights Commission powers related to violations of human rights by the armed
forces have been largely restricted.
Suggestions
There is need for complete revamping of NHRC to make it more effective and truly a watchdog of
human right violations in the country.
NHRC efficacy can be enhanced by government if commission decisions are made enforceable.
There is need to change in composition of commission by including members from civil society and
activists.
3/4
NHRC needs to develop an independent cadre of staff with appropriate experience.
Many laws in India are very old and archaic in nature by amending which government can bring
more transparency in regulations.
To improve and strengthen the human rights situation in India, state and non state actors need to
work in tandem.
4/4
