EFFECTIVENESS OF THE NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION IN ADDRESSING HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN INDIA: ACHIEVEMENTS, CHALLENGES AND REFORMS

The National Human rights Commission (NHRC) plays a pivotal role in safeguarding and promoting human rights in India. This paper critically examines the effectiveness of NHRC in addressing the human rights violations, analysing its Role and functions, achievements and challenges. In a democratic country like India where protection of Individual rights and freedom forms the cornerstone of constitutional governance, the role of NHRC remains a crucial in ensuring justice, accountability and Human dignity. This research paper is descriptive in nature and mainly based on secondary sources relying on statutory provisions, judicial decisions, case studies, journals and secondary literature, where effectiveness of NHRC is critically analysed. This study examines the legal and constitutional framework of Commission, how it intervened in Gujarat riots case, Punjab Mass Cremation case, and Chakma case. These cases were landmark in safeguarding human rights highlighting notable interventions by commission in cases involving custodial violence, discrimination against marginalised communities, and protection of vulnerable groups. Despite its achievements, this paper also identifies the key concern like recommendatory nature of its powers, delays in investigations, resource constraints, and issues relating to independence and implementation of recommendations. The study concludes that while NHRC has contributed significantly to the promotion of human rights, strengthening legal authority and enforcement mechanisms is essential to enhance its effectiveness.