Write short notes on Power relating to inquiries of Human Rights Commission
Answers
The National Human Rights Commission and State Human Rights Commission are statutory, non-constitutional bodies, established in 1993 under an act of Parliament, the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
A State Human Rights Commission can inquire into violation of human rights only regarding subjects mentioned in the State List (List-II) and the Concurrent List (List-III) of the 7th Schedule of the constitution.
But, if the National Human Rights Commission or any other Statutory Commission is already looking into any such case, then the State Human Rights Commission does not inquire into that case.
Powers and Functions -
Enquire into any violation of human rights.
They can even look into negligence in the prevention of human rights violation by a public servant.
They can take cognizance either suo motu or on a petition presented to it or on an order of a court.
They intervene in any proceeding involving allegation of violation of human rights pending before a court.
They visit jails and detention places to study the living conditions of inmates and make recommendation.
Constitutional and other legal safeguards for the protection of human rights are reviewed by them.