•
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 purposes 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.
•
Undertake and promote research in the field of human rights.
•
Spread human rights literacy among various sections of society and promote
awareness about the safeguards available for the protection of these rights through
publications, the media, seminars and other available means.
•
Encourage the efforts of non-governmental organizations and institutions working
in the field of human rights.
•
Such other functions as it may consider necessary for the protection of human
rights.
Powers
4.11 While inquiring into complaints under the PHRA, the Commission has all the powers of a
civil court trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
Special Features
4.12 The NHRC is fully compliant with the Paris Principles for National Human Rights
Institutions adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in the year 1993. It has a very wide
mandate and functions. The Commission has evolved fairly transparant systems and procedures
for discharging its functions.
4.13
In the experience of the Commission, there is no conflict between the reforms required for
20 National Human Rights Commission