National Human Rights Commission

Question 1

What type of body is national human rights Commission?

Answer 1

Statutory body,by the protection of human rights act, 1993.

Watchdog of human rights in country

Question 2

What are the Specific objectives of establishment of human rights commision?

Answer 2

1. To strengthen institutional arrangement through which human rights issues could be addressed in their entirety in a more focussed manner
2. To look into allegations of excesses independently of government,in a manner that would underline government’s commitement to protect human rights
3. complement & strengthen efforts that have already been made in this direction

Question 3

What is the composition of NHRC?

Answer 3

A chairperson,5 members,7 ex-officio members
Chairperson:Retired chief justice of India or a judge of SC
Members:1)Serving or retired judge of SC
2)Serving or retired chief justice of high court
3)Three person having knowledge or practical experience in Human Rights.

Ex-Officio members:
Out of 7,6 from:National commision for (Minorities+SCs+STs+Women+BCs+Protection of child rights)
7th is Chief commisioner for persons with disabilities.

Chairperson & members hold office for 3 yrs or age 70.

Question 4

In which manner Appointment of members in NHRC is done?

Answer 4

By president on recommendations by Commitee having PM;LS Speaker;RS Deputy;Leader of opposition in both houses;Home Minister.

Question 5

Removal of chairperson can be done on which grounds?

Answer 5

1. Insolvent
2. Engaged in paid employement
3. unfit to continue
4. unsound mind
5. imprisonment

In addition president can remove on proved misbehavior->that case->matter goes to SC->IF APPROVED->REMOVED

Question 6

What are functions of NHRC?

Answer 6

1. Inquire violation or negligence in prevention of violation by public servant
2. intervene in proceeding involving allegations,pending in court
3. asses jails,detentions
4. review constitutional,lega safeguards
5. review factors restraining human rights ex.terrorism
6. study treaties,international instruments on Human rights
7. research in HR
8. literate,aware people
9. encourage NGOs
10. functions necessary for human rights

Question 7

Shed some light on working of NHRC.

Answer 7

1. Has powers of civil court.May call for information or report from centre or state or any authority subordinate to them.
2. Cant inquire post 1 year of alleged incident
3. Can take one of the following steps upon completion of inquiry
   a) may recommend compensation to victim
   b) may recommend action against public servant
   c) may recommend immediate relief to victim
   d) may approach SC;HC concerned for directions,writs etc