National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India

 

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of  India is an autonomous public body constituted on Oct 12,1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Ordinance of  Sep 28,1993

NHRC was given a statutory basis by the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (TPHRA)

The NHRC is the National Human Rights Institution, 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 or embodied in the International Covenants".

“Human Rights” means the rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the constitution or embodied in the International covenants and enforceable by courts in India

Human right means different thing to different people. Human Rights are not static. New rights are recognized and enforced from time to time. Only persons fully conversant with the latest development about the expanding horizons of Human Rights can promote their awareness better than others.

The NHRC consists of:

• A Chairperson
• 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 of ( 1.Minorities 2.SC 3.ST 4.Women) serve as ex-officio members.

Sections 3 and 4 of TPHRA lay down the rules for appointment to the NHRC. The Chairperson and members of the NHRC are appointed by thePresident of India, on the recommendation of a committee consisting of:

• The Prime Minister (chairperson)
• The Home Minister
• The Leader of Opposition in theLok Sabha (House of the People)
• The  Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
• The Speaker of the Lok Sabha (House of the People)
• The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

The Commission is thus entitled to participate in the ICC and in its regional sub-group, the Asia Pacific Forum and may take part in certain sessions of the UN human rights committees