The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is a statutory body and is an expression of India's concern for the protection and promotion of human rights. It came into being in October,1993. Human rights in India In terms of Section 2 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 , "human rights" means the rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed under the Constitution or embodied in the International Covenants and enforceable by courts in India. "International Covenants" means the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on the 16th December, 1966. Functions of the Commission The Commission shall, perform all or any of the following functions, namely:- Inquire, on its own initiative or on a petition presented to it by a victim or any person on his behalf, into complaint of- violation of human rights or abetment or negligence in the prevention of such violation, by a public servant; intervene in any proceeding involving any allegation of violation of human rights pending before a court with the approval of such court; visit, under intimation to the State Government, any jail or any other institution under the control of the State Government, where persons are detained or lodged for purposes of treatment, reformation or protection to study the living condition of the inmates and make recommendations thereon ; review the safeguards 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; review the factors, including acts of terrorism that inhibit the enjoyment of human rights and recommend appropriate remedial measures; study treaties and other international instruments on human rights and make recommendations for their effective implementation; undertake and promote research in the field of human rights; spread human rights literacy among various sections of society and promote awareness of the safeguards available for the protection of these rights through publications, the media, seminars and other available means; encourage the efforts of non - Governmental organizations and institutions working in the field of human rights; such other functions as it may consider necessary for the promotion of human rights. Constitution of NHRC The Commission consists of a Chairperson, five full-time Members and seven deemed Members. The Chairperson and Members of the Commission are appointed by the President on the basis of recommendations of a Committee comprising the Prime Minister as the Chairperson, the Speaker of Lok Sabha, the Home Minister, the leaders of the opposition in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha as Members. Powers and Authority While inquiring into complaints under the Act, the Commission shall have all the powers of a civil court trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, and in particular the following, namely; Summoning and enforcing the attendance of witnesses and examining them on oath; discovery and production of any document; receiving evidence on affidavits; requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or office; issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents; any other matter which may be prescribed. How to file a complaint Complaints can be filed online through the HRCnet portal. For Complaints status, General queries : Phone No.: 91-11-24651330, 91-11-24663333 Complaints can be sent on email-id complaint.nhrc@nic.in only For Lodge Complaint by Fax: Fax Nos. Law Division (For Complaints-filing): 91-11-24651332 NHRC TOLL FREE HELP LINE No. : 14433 They may be in Hindi, English or in any language included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. The complaints are expected to be self contained. No fee is charged on complaints. The Commission may ask for further information and affidavits to be filed in support of allegations whenever considered necessary. Inquiry of complaints The Commission while inquiring into complaints of violations of human rights may call for information or report from the Central Government or any State Government or any other authority or organization subordinate thereto within such time as may be specified by it; provided that if the information or report is not received within the time stipulated by the Commission, it may proceed to inquire into the complaint on its own; on the other hand, if, on receipt of information or report, the Commission is satisfied either that no further inquiry is required or that the required action has been initiated or taken by the concerned Government or authority, it may not proceed with the complaint and inform the complainant accordingly. Steps open to the Commission after inquiry Where the inquiry discloses the commission of violation of human right or negligence in the prevention of violation of human rights by a public servant, it may recommend to the concerned Government or authority the initiation of proceedings for prosecution or such other action as the Commission may deem fit against the concerned person or persons; Approach the Supreme Court or the High Court concerned for such directions, orders or writs as that Court may deem necessary; Recommend to the concerned Government or authority for the grant of such immediate interim relief to the victim or the members of his family as the Commission may consider necessary. State Human Rights Commissions The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 makes provisions for the establishment of State Human Rights Commissions. To view the State Human Rights Commissions, click here. Source : NHRC