National Human Rights Commission

Summary

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (Act No. 10 of 1994). The Chairperson must be a retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India; Members include a retired Supreme Court judge, a retired High Court Chief Justice, and two members with human rights expertise — all civilians. They are appointed by the President on the recommendation of a committee chaired by the Prime Minister and serve a 3-year term or until age 70, removable only for cause after a Supreme Court inquiry. Under Sections 13–14, the NHRC has civil court powers: it can summon witnesses, compel testimony, and requisition government records including police and prison files. It operates an Investigation Division headed by a Director General of Police-rank officer to independently investigate custodial deaths, police encounter killings, and prison conditions. Under Section 18, it recommends compensation, prosecution, and disciplinary action to governments — recommendations are advisory; governments may accept or reject them. Annual reports are presented to the President and laid before Parliament.