Chairperson NHRC, INDIA Foreword The National Human Rights Commission is pleased to present to the Parliament and people of India, its twenty-fifth Annual Report for the period, 01 April 2017 to 31 March 2018. 2. The National Human Rights Commission was established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 and this year, the Commission will be commemorating its Silver Jubilee on 12th October, 2018 to mark 25 years of its pioneering work in the protection and promotion of human rights. 3. The Commission has relentlessly endeavored to fulfill the aspirations of the citizen of the country in leading a life of dignity and self respect, over the past twenty five years. It has consistently worked towards bringing a human rights-centered approach in functioning of the Government at central and state level, as well as towards creating human rights awareness and sensitization amongst public authorities and civil society. As in the past, the themes of justice and human dignity can be found consistently in the efforts of the commission, rendering unified work for civil and political rights on one hand, and economic, social and cultural rights on the other. 4. Since its inception, the Commission has elevated strenuously and effectively on the opportunities provided to it by the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 to serve the people of India in varying circumstances and in the process, it has become an essential part of the nation. This is evident from the fact that each day, hundreds of our compatriots seek the intervention of the Commission for redressal of their grievances stemming mainly from the violation of their human rights. This is indicative not only of the growing awareness of human rights among the citizens, but also their growing confidence that the Commission is an ‘able, accountable and authoritative’ institution, firmly committed to defend their human rights. 5. The Commission, consistent with its mandate, took up issues involving human rights that are of significance, either suo motu, or when brought to its notice by the civil society, the media, concerned citizens, or expert advisers. Further, in fulfillment of its mandate and diverse functions envisaged under Section 12 of the Act, the Commission also continued to