National Human Rights Commission

Source: News on Air

Context: Justice V. Ramasubramanian, former Supreme Court judge, has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) by President.

About National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):

• Established:

• Formed on 12 October 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (PHRA). Created in accordance with the Paris Principles, 1991, endorsed by the UN General Assembly in 1993.

• Formed on 12 October 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (PHRA).

• Created in accordance with the Paris Principles, 1991, endorsed by the UN General Assembly in 1993.

• Statutory: Statutory body established by the PHRA Act, 1993.

• To promote and protect human rights as defined under Section 2(1)(d) of PHRA, including rights to life, liberty, equality, and dignity guaranteed by the Constitution.

• Composition:

• Chairperson: A former Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge. Members: One former or sitting Supreme Court judge. One former or sitting Chief Justice of a High Court. Three members, at least one woman, with experience in human rights matters. Ex-Officio Members: Chairpersons of various National Commissions (e.g., SC/ST, Women, Minorities, etc.) and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.

• Chairperson: A former Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge.

• Members: One former or sitting Supreme Court judge. One former or sitting Chief Justice of a High Court. Three members, at least one woman, with experience in human rights matters.

• One former or sitting Supreme Court judge.

• One former or sitting Chief Justice of a High Court.

• Three members, at least one woman, with experience in human rights matters.

• Ex-Officio Members: Chairpersons of various National Commissions (e.g., SC/ST, Women, Minorities, etc.) and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.

• Functions and Powers:

• Inquiry into Human Rights Violations: By public servants or negligence thereof. Recommendations: On protection, promotion, and effective implementation of human rights. Review of Laws: Assess treaties and international instruments for human rights. Research and Awareness: Promote research, publications, and awareness of human rights safeguards. Visit Institutions: Inspect jails and other places of detention.

• Inquiry into Human Rights Violations: By public servants or negligence thereof.

• Recommendations: On protection, promotion, and effective implementation of human rights.

• Review of Laws: Assess treaties and international instruments for human rights.

• Research and Awareness: Promote research, publications, and awareness of human rights safeguards.

• Visit Institutions: Inspect jails and other places of detention.

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