National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

Govt Body Type  : Statutory
​Established          : 1993

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India was established on 12 October, 1993. under the Protection of Human Rights Act 1993. It was given a statutory basis by the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The NHRC is the National Human Rights Commission of India, responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights, defined by the Act as "rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution.
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Composition
The NHRC consists of

• A Chairperson, should be retired Chief Justice of India.
• One member who is, or has been, a Judge of the Supreme Court of India.
• One member who is, or has been, the Chief Justice of a High Court.
• Two members to be appointed from among persons having knowledge of, or practical experience in, matters relating to human rights.
• In addition, the Chairpersons of four National Commissions (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Women and Minorities) serve as ex officio members. 

Appointment
t​he Chairperson and members of the NHRC are appointed by the President of India, on the recommendation of a committee consisting of:

• The Prime Minister (Chairperson) 
• The Home Minister The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha (Lower House)
• The Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) 
• The Speaker of the Lok Sabha (Lower House)
• The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House)

Functions
The Protection of Human Rights Act mandates the NHRC to perform the following functions:

• inquire into violations of government of India human rights or negligence in the prevention of such violation by a public servant.
• make recommendations about granting relief to the victims and their families.
• review the safeguards provided by or under the Constitution or any law for the time being in force for the protection of human rights and recommend measures for their effective implementation.
• requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or office. ​