{"id":1430,"date":"2025-12-19T05:35:52","date_gmt":"2025-12-19T05:35:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/?p=1430"},"modified":"2026-03-10T06:07:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T06:07:55","slug":"national-human-rights-commission-nhrc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/national-human-rights-commission-nhrc\/","title":{"rendered":"National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India: Role, Relevance, and Challenges"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Introduction:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) plays a crucial role in India\u2019s democratic framework. It acts as a <strong>watchdog<\/strong> against <strong>abuse of state power<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recently, the <strong>NHRC<\/strong> directed the <strong>Uttar Pradesh Government<\/strong> to pay <strong>compensation for a custodial death<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This order reaffirmed the inviolability of human dignity. It also highlighted the importance of accountability in law enforcement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why the NHRC Is in the News:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In a significant intervention, the <a href=\"https:\/\/nhrc.nic.in\/\">NHRC<\/a> ordered <strong>\u20b910 lakh compensation<\/strong>. The payment was directed to the family of a 36-year-old man. He died in police custody in Uttar Pradesh in 2021.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Importantly, the Commission held the state accountable for <strong>custodial negligence<\/strong>. It treated <strong>custodial death<\/strong> as a <strong>grave violation of human rights<\/strong>.<br>Therefore, the order strengthened the principle that dignity survives incarceration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Such actions underline the NHRC\u2019s constitutional and moral relevance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Custodial Deaths in India &#8211; Alarming Statistics:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Custodial deaths remain a persistent governance challenge. Official data reveals disturbing trends.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Between <strong>2020<\/strong> and <strong>2022<\/strong>, India recorded over <strong>4,400 custodial deaths<\/strong>. These included police and judicial custody cases. <strong>Uttar Pradesh<\/strong> alone accounted for <strong>952 deaths<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Furthermore, in <strong>September 2023<\/strong>, the <strong>Gujarat State Law Commission<\/strong> raised concerns. It described custodial deaths as a matter of \u201c<strong>great public concern<\/strong>.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meanwhile, the <strong>Status of Policing in India Report, 2025<\/strong> added another dimension.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The report surveyed 8,276 police officers across 17 States and Union Territories. It found significant approval for coercive action among personnel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>National Human Rights Commission<\/strong> was established in <strong>1993<\/strong>. It was created under the <strong>Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The law envisioned NHRC as a <strong>bulwark against state excess<\/strong>. It aimed to protect individuals from abuse of authority. Therefore, NHRC functions as an <strong>independent statutory body<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp;Its mandate aligns with India\u2019s constitutional commitment to human dignity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Composition of the NHRC:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Section 3<\/strong> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/nhrc.nic.in\/acts-and-rules\/protection-human-rights-act-1993\"><strong>Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993<\/strong><\/a> defines the composition of the commission \u2013&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A Chairperson who has been a Chief Justice of India&nbsp;or a Judge of the Supreme Court.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>One Member who is, or has been, a Judge of the Supreme Court.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>One Member who is, or has been, the Chief Justice of a High Court.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Three Members (out of which at least one shall be a woman) to be appointed from amongst persons having knowledge of, or practical experience in, matters relating to human rights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mandate and Functions of the NHRC:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The NHRC holds a wide <strong>investigative <\/strong>and <strong>advisory mandate<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It investigates violations of human rights.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It also examines negligence by public servants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Further, it recommends remedies and compensation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Additionally, the Commission shapes India\u2019s human rights jurisprudence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It advises governments on policy reforms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It also intervenes in court proceedings when required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Hence, NHRC functions at the intersection of law, ethics, and governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Contributions of the NHRC:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the years, NHRC has delivered several landmark interventions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It flagged overcrowded and degrading prison conditions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It issued India\u2019s first comprehensive guidelines on extra-judicial killings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It defended labour rights in hazardous industries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moreover, it stood with victims of communal violence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It consistently pressed for compensation and redress.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Through these actions, NHRC expanded the scope of human rights discourse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Constitutional and International Context:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Although <strong>NHRC<\/strong> is a <strong>statutory body<\/strong>, its roots lie in the Constitution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Article 21 guarantees the right to life and dignity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NHRC operationalizes this right through oversight.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Internationally, India is a signatory to major human rights treaties. These include the <strong>International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966<\/strong> and the <strong>United Nations<\/strong> <strong>Convention Against Torture, 1984<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NHRC acts as India\u2019s interface with global human rights norms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, its credibility affects India\u2019s global standing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Structural Challenges Faced by the NHRC:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite its mandate, NHRC faces serious limitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First, its recommendations are <strong>not legally binding<\/strong>. Governments may ignore or delay compliance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Second, the Commission <strong>lacks independent enforcement powers<\/strong>. It cannot prosecute offenders directly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Third, it <strong>depends heavily on state cooperation for investigations<\/strong>. This dependence often weakens outcomes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As a result, effectiveness suffers in sensitive cases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Political and Institutional Concerns:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In recent years, concerns about institutional autonomy have grown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Critics highlight <strong>increasing deference to governments<\/strong>. They also point to reluctance in pursuing politically sensitive cases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Opacity in appointments<\/strong> remains another concern. Lack of diversity weakens representation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Notably, a former NHRC chairperson called it a \u201c<strong>toothless tiger<\/strong>.\u201d This remark reflected frustration with structural constraints.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">International Scrutiny and Accreditation Issues:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NHRC\u2019s global credibility has also faced challenges. In 2024, its accreditation with the <strong>Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions<\/strong> was deferred. This was the second consecutive deferral.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Alliance cited <strong>lack of transparency<\/strong> <strong>in appointments<\/strong>. It also flagged insufficient diversity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Such deferrals weaken India\u2019s voice in international human rights forums.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Implications for Governance and Democracy:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Custodial deaths undermine the rule of law. They erode public trust in institutions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Therefore, NHRC\u2019s role becomes critical in democratic accountability.<br>It ensures that power remains subject to scrutiny.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong human rights institutions also improve policing standards. They encourage professionalism and restraint.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Thus, NHRC contributes directly to good governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Way Forward: Strengthening the NHRC:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Reforms are necessary to restore NHRC\u2019s effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First, Parliament should consider making key recommendations binding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Second, the Commission needs greater enforcement authority.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Third, appointments must become transparent and inclusive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fourth, diversity should reflect India\u2019s social reality.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Additionally, police reforms must align with NHRC guidelines. Human rights training should become mandatory.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Finally, cooperation between states and NHRC must improve.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The National Human Rights Commission remains a vital institution. Its recent intervention in a custodial death case proves its relevance. However, structural and political constraints limit its potential. Without reforms, credibility risks further erosion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, strengthening NHRC is not optional. It is essential for constitutional morality and democratic integrity. A rights-respecting state requires a strong human rights watchdog. In that mission, NHRC must be empowered, not weakened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nhrc.nic.in\/\">https:\/\/nhrc.nic.in\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/opinion\/editorials\/national-human-rights-commission-has-been-drifting-its-directive-on-up-custodial-death-compensation-is-welcome-10420407\/\">https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/opinion\/editorials\/national-human-rights-commission-has-been-drifting-its-directive-on-up-custodial-death-compensation-is-welcome-10420407\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1766122183506\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What is the role of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India?<\/strong><br\/><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The NHRC protects human rights by investigating violations, recommending compensation, advising governments, and promoting accountability under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1766122198817\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>\u00a0Is the National Human Rights Commission a constitutional body?<\/strong><br\/><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No, the National Human Rights Commission is a <strong>statutory body<\/strong>, but it derives its authority from constitutional values, especially <strong>Article 21<\/strong> of the Indian Constitution.<br\/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1766122308801\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Are NHRC\u2019s recommendations be legally binding?<\/strong><br\/><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No, NHRC\u2019s recommendations are <strong>not legally binding<\/strong>, which remains a major challenge affecting its effectiveness.<br\/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1766122328606\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Why are custodial deaths a major concern for NHRC?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Custodial deaths violate the right to life and dignity. NHRC treats them as grave human rights violations and often orders compensation and corrective action.<br\/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1766122352404\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What are the key challenges faced by the National Human Rights Commission?<\/strong><br\/><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Major challenges include a lack of enforcement powers, non-binding recommendations, dependence on state cooperation, and concerns over transparency and institutional autonomy.<br\/><\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction: Why the NHRC Is in the News: Custodial Deaths in India &#8211; Alarming Statistics: About the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)? Composition of the<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1446,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1430","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): Role &amp; Challenges<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India explained\u2014its role, relevance in democracy, and key challenges faced today.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/spmiasacademy.com\/currentaffairs\/national-human-rights-commission-nhrc\/\" \/>\n<meta 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