NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS
COMMISSION, INDIA
Constitution of NHRC
Selection Committee for Appointment of Chairperson and Members of NHRC
3.6
The statutory requirements relating to the qualifications of the Chairperson and Members of
the Commission, as well as their selection by a high-level and politically-balanced Committee
ensures a high degree of independence and credibility to the functioning of the NHRC.
3.7
The Chairperson and the Members of the NHRC are appointed by the President of India, on the
recommendations of a high-level Committee comprising the Prime Minister (as Chairperson),
the Speaker of the Lok Sabha (House of the People), the Minister in-charge of the Ministry of
Home Affairs in the Government of India, the Leaders of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and
Rajya Sabha (Council of States), and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
3.8
The Chief Executive Officer of the Commission is the Secretary-General, an officer of the rank
of Secretary to the Government of India. The Secretariat of the Commission works under the
overall guidance of the Secretary-General.
Powers Relating to Inquiries
3.9
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The NHRC has been given all the powers of a civil court trying a suit under the Code of Civil
Procedure, 1908, in particular in respect of summoning and enforcing the attendance of
witnesses and examining them on oath; receiving evidence through affidavits; requisitioning
any public record or copy thereof from any court or office; and any other matter that may be
prescribed. In case of breach, it calls upon the concerned government to take remedial measures
ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19