1.”NHRC HAS SUFFERED A SLOW DEATH AT THE HANDS OF THE GOVERNMENT” – SC.
- In a recent observation, the Supreme Court points out that human rights and the National Human Rights Commission have suffered a slow death at the hands of the government and the State authorities.
- Neglect and stagnation suffered by the NHRC has imperilled human rights in the nation like in fake encounter’ killings of Manipur.
- The intention of the NHRC is to more effectively assist the criminal justice delivery system and avoid any factual controversies while respecting human rights.
NHRC REVISED GUIDELINES OF 2010
- The NHRC has to be informed of every encounter death.
- It makes magisterial enquiry compulsory into every police encounter death.
- However, these guidelines are given scant respect by the States.
KNOW ABOUT NHRC
- It is an autonomous public body constituted on 12 October 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Ordinance of 28 September 1993.
- It was given a statutory basis by the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 .
- It is responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights, defined by the Act as “rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the International Covenants”.
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Composition
The NHRC consists of:
- A Chairperson, should be retired Chief Justice of India.
- One member who is, or has been, a Judge of the Supreme Court of India.
- One member who is, or has been, the Chief Justice of a High Court
- Two members to be appointed from among persons having knowledge of, or practical experience in, matters relating to human rights
- In addition, the Chairpersons of four National Commissions – Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Women and Minorities, serve as ex officio members.
- The sitting Judge of the Supreme Court or sitting Chief Justice of any High Court can be appointed only after the consultation with the Chief Justice of Supreme Court.