{"id":70979,"date":"2025-10-29T17:38:42","date_gmt":"2025-10-29T12:08:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=70979"},"modified":"2025-10-29T17:38:42","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T12:08:42","slug":"protection-of-human-rights-act-1993","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/protection-of-human-rights-act-1993\/","title":{"rendered":"Protection of Human Rights Act 1993, Objective, Provisions, Structure"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 aims to create institutional mechanisms to safeguard human dignity, freedom and equality in India. It provides for the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), State Human Rights Commissions and Human Rights Courts so that violations of rights guaranteed by the Constitution can be addressed formally.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Protection of Human Rights Act 1993<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Act (Act No.10 of 1994) was passed by Parliament and came into force on 28 September 1993. It defines human rights as those relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual, guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in international covenants and enforceable by courts in India. The PHRA thus provides a statutory basis for the NHRC and State Commissions to investigate human rights violations, and to promote human rights awareness and legal redress mechanisms across the country.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Protection of Human Rights Act Objectives<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The major objectives of the The Protection of Human Rights Act are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To protect the fundamental rights and human rights of all individuals in India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To establish independent human rights institutions (NHRC and SHRCs) for investigation of violations of rights.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To promote awareness of human rights among public servants and citizens.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To ensure coordination between national, state and local level agencies for human rights protection.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To align India\u2019s statutory framework with international human rights commitments (such as the UDHR, ICCPR, ICESCR).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Need for the Protection of Human Rights Act 1993<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before 1993, India had no dedicated legal body to handle human rights violations. With increasing custodial deaths, police brutality, discrimination, and social inequality, there was a strong demand for a national-level institution. The Protection of Human Rights Act 1993 was introduced to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Establish independent human rights commissions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Investigate complaints and recommend action.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strengthen democratic accountability and social justice.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Protection of Human Rights Act Structure<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The PHRA is organised into eight chapters and 43 sections, covering definitions, constitution of the NHRC, State Human Rights Commissions, Human Rights Courts, procedure for inquiry, and other connected matters. The key institutional frameworks it provides are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b>The <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/national-human-rights-commission-nhrc\/\" target=\"_blank\">National Human Rights Commission<\/a> (NHRC)<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/state-human-rights-commission\/\" target=\"_blank\">State Human Rights Commissions<\/a> (SHRCs)<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Human Rights Courts (for speedy trial of human rights violation cases)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><b>National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The NHRC was established under Section 3 of the PHRA and began functioning from 12 October 1993.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Composition: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The composition of the NHRC includes:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chairperson: A former Chief Justice of India or Judge of the <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/supreme-court-of-india\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Supreme Court<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One Member: Who has been a Judge of the Supreme Court.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One Member: Who has been a Chief Justice of a High Court.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Three Members: Appointed from among persons having knowledge or experience in human rights, with at least one woman.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, the Chairpersons of the National Commissions for SCs, STs, Women, Minorities, Backward Classes, and Child Rights, along with the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, serve as deemed members for certain functions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Appointment: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As per Section 4, the Chairperson and Members are appointed by the President of India based on recommendations from a high-level Selection Committee consisting of:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Prime Minister (Chairperson)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Speaker of <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/lok-sabha\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Lok Sabha<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Home Minister<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leaders of Opposition in both Houses<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deputy Chairman of <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/rajya-sabha\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Rajya Sabha<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Tenure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Their tenure is three years or until the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier, with eligibility for reappointment (Section 6).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Resignation and Removal: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under Section 5, the Chairperson or any Member can resign by submitting written notice to the President. They may be removed only by the <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/president-of-india\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>President of India<\/strong><\/a> on grounds of proved misbehavior or incapacity, following an inquiry by the Supreme Court.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Headquarters and Staff: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The NHRC\u2019s headquarters is located in New Delhi, and it may establish regional offices with government approval (Section 3(5)). A Secretary-General serves as the Chief Executive Officer, overseeing administrative and financial matters (Section 4(4)). The Commission is supported by officers and investigative staff provided by the Central Government, including officers of the rank of Director General of Police for investigation-related tasks (Section 11).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Functions and Powers:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inquiry into complaints of human rights violations or negligence by public servants.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suo motu powers based on news, media, or public reports.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inspect jails, observe living conditions, take action to safeguard rights of detainees.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Review safeguards and laws protecting human rights; recommend improvements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promote research, spread human rights literacy, coordinate with NGOs and state agencies.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Achievements:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The NHRC states that since inception over 23.79 lakh cases have been handled as of October 2025.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It has recommended over \u20b9263 crore as monetary relief to victims of human rights violations (as of October 2025) across 8924 cases.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accredited \u201cA\u201d status by GANHRI under the Paris Principles, reflecting compliance with international standards.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under Sections 21-29 of the PHRA, each State and Union Territory may establish a State Human Rights Commission.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Composition:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chairperson: Former Chief Justice of High Court.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Members: Two individuals with human rights or legal experience.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Functions and Powers:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Investigate complaints of rights violations within state jurisdiction.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Review State laws, safeguards, and execution of human rights policies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visit jails and other institutions, promote research and awareness locally.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Implementation status:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many states have formed SHRCs; however, reports indicate significant vacancies and lack of manpower in several states.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Challenges persist in timely disposal of cases and infrastructure.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Human Rights Courts<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Section 30 of the PHRA allows the State Government, in consultation with the High Court, to designate a Court of Session in each district as a \u201cHuman Rights Court\u201d for the trial of offences arising from human rights violations. In practice, the designation and functioning of such special courts has been uneven across states, limiting the full potential of this provision.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2019<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Protection of Human Rights Act has been amended by the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2019, which came into force in August 2019. Key changes include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eligibility for Chairperson extended to any retired Supreme Court judge (not just CJI).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mandatory inclusion of at least one woman member in NHRC and SHRCs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduction in tenure from five years to three, while permitting reappointment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expansion of ex-officio membership to include Chairperson of National Commission for Backward Classes and National Commission for Child Rights.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Explicit provisions for Union Territories.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Protection of Human Rights Act Achievements<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The achievements of the Act and the Structure has been listed below:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Institutionalised human rights protection in India, providing formal redressal channels.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promoted accountability of public servants and improved oversight of detention centres, jails and institutions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enhanced awareness: NHRC and SHRCs conduct campaigns, collaborate with NGOs, hold seminars and publish reports.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brought India\u2019s domestic human rights system closer to international norms (Paris Principles, UN treaties).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Data shows large volume of complaints registered (over 23 lakh) and significant relief recommended (\u20b9256.57 crore) to victims.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Protection of Human Rights Act Government Initiatives<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To strengthen The Protection of Human Rights Act, following initiatives have been undertaken by Government and several institutions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digital Human Rights Portal (2022): Enables online registration of complaints to NHRC\/ SHRCs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Human Rights Education Programme: Collaboration with NCERT\/UGC to integrate human rights modules in school\/college curricula.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NHRC-UNDP partnership: Capacity-building programmes for police, prison officials and judiciary.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Model Guidelines on Custodial Deaths (2021): Issued by NHRC to all states for reform in police and prison practices.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Integration into SDG India Index: The NITI Aayog includes human rights\/justice indicators to strengthen governance focus.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Protection of Human Rights Act Legal Framework<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These linkages reinforce the domestic protection framework with global human rights standards.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Constitutional basis:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Articles 14-21 (right to life, liberty, equality, dignity), Article 51(c) (respect for international law) and Directive Principles (Part IV) anchor the PHRA\u2019s vision.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>International commitments:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NHRC established to conform to the UN-endorsed Paris Principles, adopted October 1991 and endorsed by UN GA in Resolution 48\/134.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India is party to treaties such as the ICCPR, ICESCR. PHRA defines human rights to include rights embodied in these covenants.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Protection of Human Rights Act Challenges<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Protection of Human Rights Act\u2019s impact is constrained by several systemic issues:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lack of binding power: NHRC\u2019s recommendations are not legally enforceable, relying on state compliance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resource constraints: Many SHRCs operate with inadequate staffing and budget.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delay in redressal: Backlogs remain; for example thousands of cases still pending with NHRC.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jurisdictional limitations: NHRC has limited direct jurisdiction over armed forces and some other sectors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Awareness gap: Many marginalized victims remain unaware of the institutional mechanisms or fear stigma in approaching them.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Way Forward:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grant NHRC and SHRCs stronger enforceable powers, including follow-up mechanisms for compliance of recommendations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upgrade data systems and transparency: publish real-time dashboards of complaints, dispositions and resource allocation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increase funding and staffing especially for SHRCs, ensuring full functioning across all States.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expand human rights education and outreach: ensure awareness among rural, marginalised and vulnerable groups.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Broaden scope of human rights protection: include digital rights, environmental justice, rights of persons with disabilities, and rights of older persons under PHRA framework.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strengthen coordination between NHRC, SHRCs, judiciary and police for effective implementation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Protection of Human Rights Act UPSC<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In recent years, the NHRC has modernized its working structure as discussed below. The Commission also plays a crucial role in reviewing government laws for compliance with India\u2019s constitutional principles and international obligations<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Launched online complaint portals and e-HRCNet system.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased monitoring of custodial violence and human trafficking cases.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Actively engaged with UN Human Rights mechanisms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conducted national awareness campaigns on gender equality, child rights, and disability rights.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Protection of Human Rights Act 1993 establishes NHRC, SHRCs and Human Rights Courts to safeguard life, liberty, equality and dignity through legal redress.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":70599,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[786],"tags":[3453],"class_list":{"0":"post-70979","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-general-studies","8":"tag-protection-of-human-rights-act","9":"no-featured-image-padding"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70979","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/26"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=70979"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70979\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/70599"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=70979"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=70979"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=70979"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}