Chapter II of the Act says "The Central Government shall constitute a body to be known as the National Human Rights Commission to exercise the powers conferred upon, and to perform the functions assigned to it, under this Act."

Table of contents

1 Functions 2 Powers 3 Website

Functions

As per the act, the following functions shall be performed by the NHRC:

• inquire, suo moto or on a petition presented to it by a victim or any person on his behalf, into complaint of
  • violation of human rights or abetment thereof or
  • negligence in the prevention of such violation, by a public servant

• intervene in any proceeding involving any allegation of violation of human rights pending before a court with the approval of such court

• visit, under intimation to the State Government, any jail or any other institution under the control of the State Government, where persons are detained or lodged for purposes of treatment, reformation or protection to study the living conditions of the inmates and make recommendations thereon

• review the safeguards provided by or under the Constitution of India or any law for the time being in force for the protection of human rights and recommend measures for their effective implementation

• review the factors, including acts of terrorism that inhibit the enjoyment of human rights and recommend appropriate remedial measures

• study treaties and other international instruments on human rights and make recommendations for their effective implementation

• undertake and promote research in the field of human rights

• spread human rights literacy among various sections of society and promote awareness of the safeguards available for the protection of these rights through publications, the media, seminars and other available means
  • encourage the efforts of non-governmental organisations and institutions working in the field of human rights

• such other functions as it may consider necessary for the protection of human rights in India

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