{"id":4826,"date":"2026-04-09T10:25:37","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T04:55:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=4826"},"modified":"2026-04-11T12:22:59","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T06:52:59","slug":"national-human-rights-commission-nhrc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/national-human-rights-commission-nhrc\/","title":{"rendered":"NHRC &#8211; National Human Rights Commission, Powers, Functions"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The\u00a0<strong>National Human Rights Commission<\/strong>\u00a0(NHRC) is a vital institution tasked with safeguarding human rights and ensuring the protection of individuals' lives, liberty, equality, and dignity. It investigates human rights violations and works to promote awareness and reform through recommendations to the government.<\/p>\r\n<p>The NHRC acts as a watchdog, intervening in cases of injustice and advocating for marginalized groups, ensuring constitutional rights are upheld. However, the NHRC faces numerous challenges, including resource constraints, a heavy workload, and limited powers to enforce its recommendations.<\/p>\r\n<h2>About NHRC - National Human Rights Commission<\/h2>\r\n<p>The National Human Rights Commission is an independent\u00a0<strong>statutory body<\/strong>, established on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The commission serves as a guardian of human rights in India, overseeing the rights associated with life, liberty, equality, and the dignity of individuals. These rights are guaranteed by the\u00a0<strong>Constitution of India<\/strong>\u00a0and are also reflected in international covenants, like the\u00a0<strong>Paris Principles on Human Rights<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><strong>Human Rights:<\/strong>\u00a0Section 2(1)(d) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 defines human rights as the rights concerning an individual's life, liberty, equality, and dignity, which are protected by the Constitution or outlined in international treaties and can be enforced in Indian courts.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>NHRC Objectives<\/h2>\r\n<p>The National Human Rights Commission was established with several specific objectives aimed at enhancing the framework for addressing human rights issues in India. The key objectives are as follows:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>To\u00a0<strong>strengthen institutional arrangements<\/strong>\u00a0that allow for a comprehensive and focused approach to addressing human rights issues.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>To\u00a0<strong>investigate allegations of excesses\u00a0<\/strong>by authorities independently, demonstrating the government's commitment to safeguarding human rights.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>To\u00a0<strong>complement and bolster existing efforts<\/strong>\u00a0aimed at promoting and protecting human rights<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>NHRC Composition<\/h2>\r\n<p>The National Human Rights Commission is a\u00a0<strong>multi-member body<\/strong>. It consists of a\u00a0<strong>chairperson<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>five members<\/strong>, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the commission. The composition is as follows:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><strong>Full-Time Members: The chairperson<\/strong>\u00a0should be either a retired <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/chief-justice-of-india-cji\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Chief Justice of India<\/strong><\/a> or a judge of the Supreme Court.\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><strong>Members<\/strong>\u00a0include a sitting or retired judge of the Supreme Court, a sitting or retired Chief Justice of a High Court, and three individuals\u00a0<strong>(with at least one being a woman)<\/strong>\u00a0who possess knowledge or practical experience in human rights.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Seven Ex-officio Members:\u00a0<\/strong>In addition to these full-time members, the commission includes seven ex-officio members, comprising the chairpersons of various national commissions, including:\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>The National Commission for Minorities<\/li>\r\n\t<li>The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (SCs)<\/li>\r\n\t<li>The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (STs)<\/li>\r\n\t<li>The National Commission for Women<\/li>\r\n\t<li>The National Commission for Backward Classes (BCs)<\/li>\r\n\t<li>The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights<\/li>\r\n\t<li>The Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>NHRC Appointment<\/h2>\r\n<p>The appointment of the chairperson and members of the NHRC is carried out by the\u00a0<strong>President of India<\/strong>\u00a0based on the recommendations of a\u00a0<strong>six-member committee<\/strong>. This committee is headed by the\u00a0<strong>Prime Minister<\/strong>\u00a0and includes the following members:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><strong>Speaker of the Lok Sabha<\/strong>,<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha,<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Leaders of the Opposition<\/strong>\u00a0in both Houses of Parliament, and<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Union Home Minister.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Additionally, the appointment of a sitting judge of the Supreme Court or a sitting Chief Justice of a High Court requires prior consultation with the\u00a0<strong>Chief Justice of India<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n<h2>NHRC Tenure and Conditions of Service<\/h2>\r\n<p>The chairperson and members of the NHRC serve for a\u00a0<strong>term of three years<\/strong>\u00a0or until they reach the age of\u00a0<strong>70 years<\/strong>, whichever is earlier. They are\u00a0<strong>eligible for reappointment<\/strong>\u00a0following the completion of their term. However, once their tenure concludes, neither the chairperson nor the members are permitted to seek further employment with the Central or State governments.<\/p>\r\n<h3>NHRC Salaries and Allowances<\/h3>\r\n<p>The salaries, allowances, and other conditions of service for the chairperson and members are set by the\u00a0<strong>Central government<\/strong>. However, these terms cannot be altered to their disadvantage after their appointment.<\/p>\r\n<h2>NHRC Removal<\/h2>\r\n<p>The President of India can remove the NHRC chairperson or members under certain circumstances, including insolvency, engaging in outside paid employment, physical or mental incapacity, being declared of unsound mind, or conviction and imprisonment for a crime. In cases of proven misbehaviour or incapacity, the President must refer the matter to the Supreme Court for an inquiry. If the Court confirms the grounds for removal, the President can then remove the individual from office.<\/p>\r\n<h2>NHRC Functions<\/h2>\r\n<p>The NHRC is entrusted with a variety of functions aimed at promoting and protecting human rights across India. These functions include conducting inquiries into violations, recommending measures for improvement, and raising awareness about human rights issues. The key functions of the NHRC are as follows:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><strong>To inquire<\/strong>\u00a0into any violation of human rights or negligence in preventing such violations by public servants, either on its initiative (<strong>suo motu<\/strong>), based on petitions presented to it, or by order of a court.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>To intervene<\/strong>\u00a0in any ongoing court proceedings involving allegations of human rights violations.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>To<strong>\u00a0visit prisons and detention centres<\/strong>\u00a0to assess the living conditions of inmates and make recommendations for improvements.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>To<strong>\u00a0review constitutional and legal safeguards<\/strong>\u00a0for the protection of human rights and suggest measures for their effective implementation.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>To analyze factors such as\u00a0<strong>acts of terrorism<\/strong>\u00a0that impede the enjoyment of human rights and recommend necessary remedial actions.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>To<strong>\u00a0study treaties and international human rights instruments<\/strong>\u00a0and recommend effective measures for their implementation.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>To<strong>\u00a0promote and conduct research<\/strong>\u00a0in the field of human rights.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>To<strong>\u00a0enhance human rights literacy<\/strong>\u00a0among the public and increase awareness of the protections available for these rights.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>To support the initiatives of\u00a0<strong>nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)<\/strong>\u00a0working in the area of human rights.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>To<strong>\u00a0undertake any other functions\u00a0<\/strong>deemed necessary for the promotion of human rights.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>NHRC and Armed Forces<\/h3>\r\n<p>The National Human Rights Commission, upon receiving petitions or acting on its own, may seek a report from the Central Government regarding alleged human rights violations by the armed forces.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>After reviewing the report, the Commission may either dismiss the complaint or make recommendations to the Government.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>The Central Government must then inform the Commission of the actions taken on these recommendations within three months or within an extended time allowed by the Commission.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>The NHRC is also required to publish its report, including the recommendations and the actions taken, and provide a copy to the petitioner.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>NHRC - National Human Rights Commission Reports<\/h2>\r\n<p>The National Commission of Human Rights is required to submit an\u00a0<strong>annual report\u00a0<\/strong>to both the Central Government and the relevant State Government. The Central and State Governments must then ensure that these reports are presented to each House of Parliament or the State Legislature, along with a memorandum detailing the actions taken or proposed in response to the Commission's recommendations. If any recommendations are not accepted, the memorandum must also provide reasons for their rejection.<\/p>\r\n<h2>NHRC Powers<\/h2>\r\n<p>The NHRC is endowed with the authority to regulate its procedures and possesses all the powers of a\u00a0<strong>civil court<\/strong>, giving its proceedings a judicial character. It can call for information or reports from both the Central and State governments, as well as any subordinate authorities. The commission has its investigative staff dedicated to looking into complaints of human rights violations and is authorized to use the services of any officer or investigative agency from the Central or State governments as needed.<\/p>\r\n<p>During or after completing an inquiry, the NHRC may take several actions, including:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>Recommending to the relevant government or authority the payment of compensation or damages to the victim.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Recommending the initiation of legal proceedings against the guilty public servant.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Recommending the provision of immediate interim relief to the victim by the concerned government or authority.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Approaching the Supreme Court or the relevant High Court for necessary directions, orders, or writs related to the case.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>However, the NHRC cannot inquire into any matter after\u00a0<strong>one year<\/strong>\u00a0has elapsed from the date the act constituting the alleged human rights violation occurred<\/p>\r\n<h2>NHRC Performance<\/h2>\r\n<p>The NHRC has actively engaged in addressing a wide range of human rights issues across India. Its efforts aim to promote and protect the rights of various marginalized groups and ensure adherence to human rights standards. Some notable issues taken up by the Commission include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>Abolition of Bonded Labour<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Abolition of Child Labour<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Rights of the Disabled Persons<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Rights of Persons Affected by HIV \/ AIDS<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Steps to Check Custodial Deaths, Rape and Torture, etc.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>NHRC Challenges<\/h2>\r\n<p>Despite its vital role in promoting and protecting human rights, the NHRC faces several challenges that can impede its effectiveness. Some of the key challenges faced by the NHRC in its efforts to protect and promote human rights include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><strong>Delayed Appointment:<\/strong>\u00a0Often delayed appointment of Chairperson and members raised concerns about the NHRC's ability to effectively address human rights issues.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions<\/strong>\u00a0(GANHRI) recently deferred NHRC's accreditation for the second consecutive year, citing the lack of transparency in the appointment process and insufficient representation of women and minorities within the Commission.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Non-Binding Recommendations:\u00a0<\/strong>The NHRC can only recommend actions to the government, with no enforcement power, limiting its impact on human rights protection.\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>The NHRC is called a\u00a0<strong>\"toothless tiger\"\u00a0<\/strong>for being seen as passive in addressing human rights violations, a term coined by former Chief Justice\u00a0<strong>HL Dattu,<\/strong>\u00a0its chairperson in 2016.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Inability to Punish Violators:\u00a0<\/strong>The NHRC cannot impose penalties on perpetrators or directly provide relief to victims, undermining its effectiveness.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Limited Investigative Authority:<\/strong>\u00a0Lacking an independent investigative mechanism, the NHRC relies on state and central governments, leading to potential bias, especially in cases involving state actors.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Time Constraints on Complaints:\u00a0<\/strong>The NHRC can only consider complaints within one year of the incident, excluding many historical grievances.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Resource Constraints:\u00a0<\/strong>Limited funding and staff hinder the NHRC\u2019s ability to manage cases and raise public awareness.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Perceived Lack of Independence:<\/strong>\u00a0Concerns over political influence arise from the NHRC's composition, which includes government-appointed former bureaucrats and judges.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Reactive Approach:<\/strong>\u00a0The NHRC is often criticized for reacting to issues rather than proactively preventing human rights violations.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>NHRC Way Forward<\/h2>\r\n<p>The effective functioning of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is crucial for ensuring the protection and promotion of human rights in India. Over the years, while the NHRC has made significant strides, there is still room for improvement in addressing the various challenges it faces. Some key suggestions include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><strong>Granting Enforcement Powers:\u00a0<\/strong>Empowering the NHRC to enforce its recommendations would significantly improve compliance and accountability.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Expanding Investigative Authority:\u00a0<\/strong>Allowing the NHRC to independently investigate cases involving armed forces and non-state actors would broaden its jurisdiction and effectiveness.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Time-bound investigations<\/strong>: Implementing time limits for investigations will help ensure swift justice for victims of human rights violations.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Increasing Financial Autonomy:\u00a0<\/strong>Providing a dedicated budget independent of government control could enhance operational efficiency.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Diverse Composition: Including members from civil society, human rights activists, and experts could improve the commission's perspective and credibility.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Regular training and capacity building<\/strong>: Regular training and capacity-building exercises for commission members and staff to ensure they are equipped to handle complex human rights cases.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Institutional accountability<\/strong>: Regular monitoring and evaluation of the NHRC\u2019s performance would promote accountability and ensure that its goals are being met effectively.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>NHRC UPSC PYQs<\/h2>\r\n<p><strong>Question 1)\u00a0<\/strong>Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures.\u00a0<strong>(UPSC Mains 2021)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Question 2)\u00a0<\/strong>Multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections of the society leads to problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions- Is it better to merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission? Argue your case.\u00a0<strong>(UPSC Mains 2018)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Question 3)\u00a0<\/strong>National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In light of the above observation assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human rights standards. 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rights.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":15509,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[173],"tags":[402,40],"class_list":{"0":"post-4826","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-quest-level-3","8":"tag-national-human-rights-commission","9":"tag-quest"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4826","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4826"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4826\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19348,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4826\/revisions\/19348"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15509"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4826"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4826"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4826"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}