National Human Rights Commission

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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is an independent statutory body set up on 28 January 1993 by the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The Commission is mandated to protect and promote human rights in India. It has the power to inquire into complaints of violation of human rights and to take appropriate action.

The NHRC is headed by a Chairperson who is appointed by the President of India. The Chairperson is assisted by two members, one of whom is a woman. The members are appointed by the President on the recommendation of a selection committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of India, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

The NHRC has its headquarters in New Delhi and has regional offices in all the states and union territories of India. The Commission also has a number of special cells to deal with specific issues such as torture, custodial death, and violence against women.

The NHRC has the power to inquire into complaints of violation of human rights. It can also suo motu take up cases of human rights violations. The Commission has the power to summon witnesses, record evidence, and issue directions to the government. It can also recommend compensation to the victims of human rights violations.

The NHRC has played a significant role in promoting and protecting human rights in India. It has investigated a number of cases of human rights violations and has taken action against the perpetrators. The Commission has also made a number of recommendations to the government to improve the human rights situation in India.

The NHRC has been praised for its work by human rights organizations and the international community. However, the Commission has also been criticized for its slow pace of work and its inability to bring the perpetrators of human rights violations to justice.

Despite its shortcomings, the NHRC is an important institution in the protection of human rights in India. It has played a significant role in raising awareness about human rights and in bringing about positive changes in the human rights situation in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)?

The NHRC is an independent statutory body set up on 28 January 1993 by the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The Commission is mandated to protect and promote human rights in India. It has the power to inquire into complaints of violation of human rights and to take appropriate action.

  1. Who heads the NHRC?

The NHRC is headed by a Chairperson who is appointed by the President of India. The Chairperson is assisted by two members, one of whom is a woman. The members are appointed by the President on the recommendation of a selection committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of India, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

  1. What are the powers of the NHRC?

The NHRC has the power to inquire into complaints of violation of human rights. It can also suo motu take up cases of human rights violations. The Commission has the power to summon witnesses, record evidence, and issue directions to the government. It can also recommend compensation to the victims of human rights violations.

  1. What has the NHRC done to promote and protect human rights in India?

The NHRC has played a significant role in promoting and protecting human rights in India. It has investigated a number of cases of human rights violations and has taken action against the perpetrators. The Commission has also made a number of recommendations to the government to improve the human rights situation in India.

  1. What are the criticisms against the NHRC?

The NHRC has been criticized for its slow pace of work and its inability to bring the perpetrators of human rights violations to justice.

MCQs

  1. The NHRC was set up on:
    (a) 28 January 1993
    (b) 10 December 1993
    (c) 26 January 1994
    (d) 15 August 1994

  2. The Chairperson of the NHRC is appointed by:
    (a) The President of India
    (b) The Prime Minister of India
    (c) The Chief Justice of India
    (d) The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha

  3. The NHRC has the power to:
    (a) Inquire into complaints of violation of human rights
    (b) Suo motu take up cases of human rights violations
    (c) Summon witnesses, record evidence, and issue directions to the government
    (d) All of the above

  4. The NHRC has been criticized for:
    (a) Its slow pace of work
    (b) Its inability to bring the perpetrators of human rights violations to justice
    (c) Both (a) and (b)
    (d) None of the

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