National Human Rights Commission, India

The National Human Rights Commission, India is a statutory public body constituted on 12 October 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, as amended by the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2019. The Commission functions as the watchdog of human rights in India, with a mandate covering rights related to life, liberty, equality, and dignity guaranteed by the Constitution and embodied in international covenants enforceable by Indian courts. The body is headquartered at Manav Adhikar Bhawan, Block C, GPO Complex, INA, New Delhi. It is composed of a Chairperson, who is a former Chief Justice of India or a Judge of the Supreme Court, along with five Members drawn from the judiciary and persons with knowledge or practical experience in human rights. The Commission inquires into complaints of human rights violations, intervenes in court proceedings involving human rights questions, reviews safeguards under the Constitution, studies treaties and international instruments, and undertakes research and awareness programmes. Public engagement initiatives include the annual short film competition, internship programmes, and media awards on human rights. The Commission also coordinates with State Human Rights Commissions and recommends measures for the effective implementation of human rights across the country.