Critically examine the functioning of National Human Rights Commission of India in the country.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is a statutory body established under Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 to protect, promote and propagate Human Rights.

Role of NHRC: /Advisory: Suggest law, policies to government on human rights; /Complaint redressal: Accept complaints, investigate and recommend measures for HR violations; Raise awareness on Human Rights

Critical Analysis of functioning:

Positives:

1. Interventions in various human rights eg recent child care centre tragedy in Delhi

2. Advocating and campaigning for rights of understands (S/c) for PNS)

3. Public Interest litigation

Challenged and shortcomings:

1. No enforcement powers - Toothless tiger by Justice NL Dattu

2. Limited resources for functioning

3. Reliant on investigative agencies for investigation

4. Bias in picking and choosing cases eg silence on manpower issue

Way Forward:

Give enforcement powers remembering limitation period, Infrastructure and resource to treat NHRC can proactively contribute in protection of HR in consonance to UDR