National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

• NHRC is a statutory body established under The Protection of Human Rights Act , 1993.

• It acts as a watchdog of human rights in the country thereby, responsible for the protection and promotion of “rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the International Covenants”.

• The chairperson and members of the NHRC are appointed by the President of India, based on the recommendations of a selection committee consisting of

1. Prime Minister

2. Speaker of the Lok Sabha

3. Home Minister

4. Leader of the Opposition (Lok Sabha)

5. Leader of the Opposition (Rajya Sabha)

6. Deputy Chairman (Rajya Sabha)

Composition:

• It consists of a chairperson, five full-time Members, and seven Ex-officio Members.

1. Chairman: A person who has been Chief Justice of India or a Judge of the Supreme Court

2. 5 Members

1. One Member who is or has been a Judge of the Supreme Court.

2. One Member who is or has been the Chief Justice of a High Court.

3. Three Members to be appointed from amongst persons having knowledge of, or practical experience in, matters relating to human rights. ( Of the three members, at least one will be a woman.)

3. Chairpersons of the National Commission for SC/ST/Minorities/Backward Classes/Women/Protection of Child Rights and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities serve as ex officio members.

• Term: Three years or till the age of seventy years for both the Chairperson and Members

• The Chairperson or any other Member of the Commission shall be removed from his office by order of the President.