What is NHRC? Mention its powers and functions.

NHRC refers to National Human Rights Commission. It is a statutory body established with the sole purpose of safeguarding human rights.

The following are the powers and functions of the NHRC:

1. Human Rights Commission is an autonomous body which is independent of the government.

2. This commission is appointed by the President of India and comprises of retired judges, eminent citizens and officers.

3. NHRC is vested with the primary responsibility of securing human rights that are granted by the Constitution of India.

4. These rights also include the rights mentioned in the United Nations sponsored international treaties that India has signed.

5. NHRC makes an independent and credible inquiry in case of violation of human rights.

6. It can inquire any case of abetment of violation or negligence in controlling it by any government officer.

7. It takes measures to protect the rights of the citizens.

8. After inquiry, the commission presents it findings and recommendations to the government.

9. It also intervenes in the court on behalf of the victims.

10. Even though the commission cannot punish the guilty, it can summon the witnesses, question any government official, demand any official paper, visit any person for inspection or send its own team for on-the-spot inquiry.

Any citizen of India can approach the National Human Rights Commission. It has to be noted that there are State Human Rights Commissions in about 14 states of the country.