Question

An important function of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is ___________
A. Inquiring into violation of human rights
B. Regulation of the public sector
C. Control of the private sector
D. Collection of revenues

Answer 1

Hint: The National Human Rights Commission is an independent statutory body which was established on 12th October 1993. Its headquarter is in New Delhi.

Complete answer:
The NHRC is the watchdog of human rights in India. The National Human Rights Commission is an independent statutory body which was established on 12th October 1993 and was later amended in 2006. It was established as per the provisions of the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993. It comprises a Chairman and seven other members who are appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. They can only be removed on charges of proved incapacity or misbehaviour if proved by an enquiry conducted by the Supreme Court.

Some major functions of the NHRC:
- It holds the power to investigate grievances in matters related to the violation of human rights after receiving a petition or through suo moto.
- The NHRC holds the power to interfere in any judicial proceedings when there is any allegation of violations of human rights.
- It can further visit any institution or jail of the State Government to check the living condition of the residents and to further make any recommendation if required.
- It can promote and undertake any research in the field of human rights and can work to spread human rights literacy among the different sections of society.
- it has the authority to recommend both the central and state governments to take necessary steps to prevent the violation of Human Rights within the country.

So, the correct answer is option A.

Note: There are certain limitation of the NHRC to perform its function such as, it cannot take any necessary action against the violation of human rights by private parties, it has no right to penalise the authorities that don’t complement its recommendations, also the recommendation of the NHRC is not binding and has limited jurisdiction over the armed force cases.