National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India

Introduction

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India is a very important organization. It works to protect
and promote human rights in the country. Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every
person. The NHRC helps to make sure that these rights are respected and protected.

Formation of NHRC

The NHRC was established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The central government of India
created the NHRC to ensure that human rights are respected and protected across the country. The NHRC acts
as a watchdog to monitor human rights violations and make sure that justice is served.

Composition of NHRC

The NHRC is made up of several members who have special roles:

1. Chairperson: The head of the NHRC is a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India. This person
is chosen because of their experience and understanding of the law.
2. Members:
o One member who is or has been a judge of the Supreme Court.
o One member who is or has been the Chief Justice of a High Court.
o Two members who have a lot of knowledge or experience with human rights issues.
3. Ex-officio Members: These are leaders of other important national commissions. They come from
commissions for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Women, and Minorities.

Powers of NHRC

The NHRC has several important powers to help protect human rights:

1. Investigate Complaints: The NHRC can investigate complaints about human rights violations. This
means it can look into cases where someone's rights might have been violated.
2. Suo Moto Action: Sometimes, the NHRC takes action on its own. If it notices a serious problem, it can
start an investigation without waiting for someone to complain.
3. Summon Witnesses: The NHRC has the power to call people to give evidence. This means it can ask
witnesses to come and provide information about a case.
4. Recommend Compensation: If the NHRC finds that someone's rights have been violated, it can
recommend that the government gives compensation to the victim.
5. Report to Government: The NHRC can send reports to the government. These reports can suggest ways
to improve human rights protections.

Functions of NHRC

The NHRC performs several important tasks to protect human rights:

1. Promote Human Rights: The NHRC works to make people aware of their human rights. It does this
through education and public campaigns.
2. Review Laws: The NHRC looks at existing laws to see if they protect human rights. It can suggest changes
or new laws to better protect these rights.
 3. Research: The NHRC conducts research on human rights issues. This helps to understand the problems
and find better ways to protect rights.
4. Monitor Treaties: The NHRC checks how India is following international human rights treaties. It makes
sure that the country is keeping its promises to protect human rights.

Performance of NHRC

The NHRC has done a lot of good work to protect human rights in India:

1. Handling Cases: Every year, the NHRC handles thousands of complaints. It provides help and makes
recommendations in many cases, which helps to protect people's rights.
2. Awareness Campaigns: The NHRC has conducted many campaigns to educate people about their human
rights. This helps people understand their rights and how to protect them.
3. Influence on Policy: The NHRC's recommendations have led to changes in laws and policies. This has
helped to make India a fairer place where human rights are better protected.

Conclusion

The NHRC plays a crucial role in protecting human rights in India. Through its investigations, recommendations,
and awareness campaigns, the NHRC helps to ensure that everyone's basic rights and freedoms are respected. Its
work is essential for creating a society where people can live with dignity and justice. By protecting human rights,
the NHRC helps to make India a better place for everyone.

State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs) in India

Introduction
State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs) in India are important organizations that help protect and promote
human rights within individual states. Human rights are basic rights and freedoms that every person should
have, such as the right to live in peace and to be treated fairly. SHRCs investigate complaints about violations
of these rights and take actions to prevent and address such violations.
Formation of SHRCs
SHRCs are created by the state governments in India under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. Each
state can set up its own SHRC to deal with human rights issues specific to that state. The aim is to have a local
body that can quickly respond to and address human rights violations, ensuring that the rights of all individuals
are protected at the state level.

Composition of SHRCs

The composition of an SHRC includes several key members:

1. Chairperson: The head of the SHRC is a former Chief Justice or judge of a High Court. This person
leads the commission and is chosen for their legal expertise and experience.
2. Members:
o One member who is or has been a judge of a High Court.
o One member who is or has been a district judge.
o Two members who have practical experience or knowledge in human rights matters.

These members are selected to ensure that the SHRC has a strong understanding of legal and human rights
issues.
Powers of SHRCs

SHRCs have several important powers to help protect human rights within their states:

1. Investigate Complaints: SHRCs can investigate complaints of human rights violations. This means
they can look into cases where someone's rights might have been violated.
2. Suo Moto Action: SHRCs can take action on their own if they notice any human rights violations,
without waiting for someone to file a complaint.
3. Summon Witnesses: SHRCs have the power to call people to give evidence. They can ask witnesses to
come and provide information about a case.
4. Recommend Compensation: If SHRCs find that someone's rights have been violated, they can
recommend that the state government gives compensation to the victim.
5. Report to State Government: SHRCs can send reports to the state government suggesting actions to
improve human rights conditions.

Functions of SHRCs

SHRCs perform several important tasks to protect human rights:

1. Promote Human Rights: SHRCs work to make people aware of their human rights through education
and public campaigns. This helps people understand their rights and how to protect them.
2. Review State Laws: SHRCs look at state laws to see if they protect human rights. They can suggest
changes or new laws to better protect these rights.
3. Research: SHRCs conduct research on human rights issues at the state level. This helps to understand
the problems and find better ways to protect rights.
4. Monitor State Programs: SHRCs monitor state programs to ensure they comply with human rights
standards. This helps to make sure that government actions are fair and just.

Performance of SHRCs

SHRCs have made significant contributions to protecting human rights in their states:

1. Handling Cases: SHRCs handle many complaints each year, providing relief and recommendations in
many cases. This helps to protect people's rights within the state.
2. Awareness Campaigns: SHRCs conduct numerous campaigns to educate people about their human
rights. These campaigns help people understand their rights and how to defend them.
3. Influence on State Policy: SHRCs' recommendations have led to changes in state laws and policies,
helping to improve human rights protections in their states.

Conclusion

State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs) play a vital role in protecting and promoting human rights in India
at the state level. Through their investigations, recommendations, and awareness campaigns, SHRCs strive to
ensure that every individual's basic rights and freedoms are respected. Their work helps create a fair and just
society where people can live with dignity and equality. By protecting human rights, SHRCs make their states
better places for everyone.