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National Human Rights Commission
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is a body of law set up to promote and protect human rights for the citizens of India. Human rights include the rights related to life, liberty, equality, and dignity of each individual. These are the rights that the Constitution has guaranteed or the International Covenants have embodied and are hence enforceable by courts in India.
The National Human Rights Commission was established on 12 October 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act legislative law. In 2006, the laws of the National Human Rights Commission of India were amended as per the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act.
As of 3 March 2022, Shri Justice Arun Kumar Mishra is the National Human Rights chairperson.
Functions of the National Human Rights Commission of India
The National Human Rights Commission functions are mandated by the Protection of Human Rights Act. They are as follows:
Protection of human rights.
Developing methods for effective implementation of human rights.
Inquiring into violations of human rights by the government of India or by a public servant.
Educating the citizens of India about human rights and the role of the National Human Rights Commission of India.
Analysing factors that hinder human rights and developing remedial measures for the same.
Undertaking and promoting research in human rights under the supervision of the National Human Rights chairperson.
Visiting the jails of the country to inspect the condition of inmates.
Encouraging the efforts of NGOs and other institutions that contribute to human rights.
Members of the National Human Rights Commission
The National Human Rights Commission of India consists of one National Human Rights chairperson along with five other members. They are as follows:
National Human Rights Chairperson: The requirement of being a National Human Rights chairperson is that the individual should have served as the Chief Justice of India or as a Judge of the Supreme Court during their lifetime.
One member is a former or present Judge of the Supreme Court of India.
One member is a former or present Chief Justice of a High Court.
Three more members who have the knowledge, practical experience, and expertise in the matters of human rights. Of these three members, one shall be a woman.
Appointing the members of the National Human Rights Commission of India
The National Human Rights Chairperson and other members are appointed by the President of India. The selection happens through the recommendation of a broad committee. The committee consists of the following members:
The Prime Minister of India
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)
A sitting Judge of the Supreme Court or the sitting Chief Justice of any High Court can be assigned to be the National Human Rights chairperson. Although, it can only happen after consultation with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
In addition to the aforementioned members, the Chairpersons of National Commissions serve as ex officio members. They belong to institutions such as:
National Commission for Scheduled Castes
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
National Commission for Minorities
National Commission for Backward Classes
Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities
National Commission for Women
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
Current Members of the National Human Rights Commission
Shri Justice Arun Kumar Mishra is the National Human Rights Chairperson. In the past, he was a Judge at the Supreme Court of India.
Shri Justice Mahesh Mittal Kumar is a member. He formerly served as the Chief Justice at the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir.
Smt Jyotika Kalra is a member of the National Human Rights Commission. She has been an Advocate on record for the Supreme Court of India.
Dr Dnyaneshwar Manohar Mulay is a member. He is the former High Commissioner of India.
Shri Rajiv Jain is a member of the NHRC. He was previously the Director of the Intelligence Bureau.
Conclusion
The National Human Rights Commission holds utmost importance in the judicial system of India. It helps citizens with justice and power by promoting human rights amongst all. Make sure to learn the names of the National Human Rights Commission members. Also, mark its pivotal functions. Further, you can read about the Right to Information and Social Welfare.
