NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, INDIA and pay compensation to the victim or to the next of their kin and also remind public servants of their duties and obligations. Depending on the case, it may further initiate proceedings for prosecution, or any other suitable action that it may deem fit, against the person(s) concerned. 3.10 Another important feature, which it fully utilizes, is suo motu cognizance of serious matters, which it takes on the basis of newspaper and media reports. Extensive Range of Functions 3.11 The Commission has a wide mandate. Its functions, as laid down in Section 12 of the PHRA, include: • Inquire, suo motu or on a petition presented to it by a victim or any person on his behalf or on a direction or order of any court, into complaint of (i) violation of human rights or abetment thereof; or (ii) 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, notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, any jail or other institution under the control of the State Government, where persons are detained or lodged for purpose of treatment, reformation or protection, for the study of the living conditions of inmates thereof and make recommendations thereon to the Government. • Review the safeguards provided by or under the Constitution 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. Specialized Divisions and Staff 3.12 There are five Divisions in the Commission. These are – (i) Law Division, (ii) Investigation Division, (iii) Policy Research, Projects and Programmes Division, (iv) Training Division, and (v) Administration Division. 3.13 The Law Division of the Commission handles registration and disposal of around one lakh cases each year, registered on the complaints of human rights violation made to it either by the victim or any other person on behalf of the victim or on receipt of intimation from authorities concerned, regarding custodial death, custodial rape, death in police action, or on suo motu cognizance by the Commission or on a direction or order of any court. The Division also receives intimations regarding deaths in police/judicial custody, deaths in the custody of defence/ ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 29