The Human Rights Commission Act, 1993 established the National Human Rights Commission. A human rights cell was also created in the home ministry. States have been advised to set-up human rights cells or Commissions to monitor and follow-up cases of alleged human rights violations by the law enforcement agencies.
- 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.
