National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
Why it Matters?
NHRC has issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh DGP over alleged custodial torture leading to suicide in Farrukhabad, flagging serious human rights violations.
What You Should Know?
NHRC was established on 12 October 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993, amended in 2006.
It is a statutory body.
NHRC conforms with the Paris Principles (1991), endorsed by UN General Assembly Resolution 48/134 (1993).
Functions:
Inquire into human rights violations suo motu or on petitions.
Intervene in court proceedings involving human rights issues.
Recommend measures for the protection and promotion of human rights.
Conduct research and promote awareness.
Composition:
It consists of a chairperson and five members.
Full-Time Members: The chairperson should be either a retired Chief Justice of India or a judge of the Supreme Court.
Members include a sitting or retired judge of the Supreme Court, a sitting or retired Chief Justice of a High Court, and three individuals (with at least one being a woman) who possess knowledge or practical experience in human rights.
Seven deemed members (Chairpersons of National Commissions like SC, ST, Women, Minorities, etc.).
Members are appointed by the President based on recommendations from a committee headed by the Prime Minister.
The term of office is 3 years or until age 70, whichever is earlier.