WHAT IS THE ROLE OF NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (NHRC) OF INDIA?

This research paper focuses on the role of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India as a statutory body formed under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, to protect and promote human rights in the country. The paper explores the complex mandate of the NHRC, discussing its investigative, promotional, advisory, review, educational, and reactive roles. The paper also discusses how the NHRC conducts inquiries into violations committed by public authorities, makes interventions in judicial cases, inspects custodial institutions, and makes relief-focused recommendations. In addition, the paper explores the role of the NHRC in raising awareness, engaging with civil society and international human rights mechanisms, reviewing laws, and shaping policy reforms through its recommendations to the government. The paper also assesses the effectiveness of the NHRC as a quasi-judicial watchdog and policy influencer while critically examining its limitations, including the non-binding nature of its recommendations, vacancies within the organization, and limited jurisdiction in some cases. Through an examination of recent interventions and compliance rates, this paper contends that despite these limitations, the NHRC is an essential institutional mechanism for accountability, awareness, and progressive human rights governance in India.