Question

give me a short note on NHRC or national human right commission?

Answer 1

Human rights are those rights which are fundamental for living and for normal human existence. They are based on the concept that every man and woman, irrespective of caste, creed, colour, race and nationality is born with certain fundamental rights such as, right to live, speech, freedom, justice, etc. These rights are, therefore, enshrined in the constitution of the countries. In order, that these basic rights are maintained and adhered to by the nations of the world, United Nations Organisation adopted a Charter of human rights soon after its formation. The Universal Declaration of Human rights which UN adopted on 10th Dec. 1948 enumerates some of these basic rights of man. These are rights to live, liberty and security of person, right to freedom of speech, judicial remedy, freedom of movement, right to take part in the governance of one’s country, etc. The second types of rights are economic and social rights. These are the right to work, right to live with dignity, right to rest and leisure, right to education, equal pay for equal work, right to equality, etc

Answer 2

NHRC is an independent commission set up by the law in 1993.

Like the Judiciary, the commission is independent of the government.

The commission is appointed by the President and includes retired judges, officers and eminent citizens.

It does not bear the burden of deciding cases. So it can focus on helping the victims secure their human rights.

These include all the rights granted to the citizens by the constitution.

The NHRC cannot punish the guilty. That is the responsibility of the courts.

Like any court, it can summon witnesses, question any government official, demand any official paper, visit any prison for inspection or send its own team for on-the-spot inquiry.