GS 2 – Polity
Established: 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (amended in 2006, 2019)
Nature: Statutory, quasi-judicial body
Composition
- Chairperson: Retired Chief Justice of India or Judge of Supreme Court
- Members:
- A serving/retired SC judge
- A serving/retired Chief Justice of HC
- 2 members with knowledge of human rights
- Ex-officio members: Chairpersons of NCW, NCBC, NCSC, NCM, NCST
Functions
- Inquire into human rights violations (by public servants/State).
- Intervene in court proceedings on human rights matters.
- Visit jails to study conditions of inmates.
- Review constitutional/legal safeguards for human rights.
- Promote research, awareness, and human rights literacy.
- Recommend measures for protection of rights.
Powers
- Has powers of a civil court (summoning, examining witnesses, requiring documents).
- Can recommend compensation or prosecution.
- Advisory role – recommendations are not binding.
Limitations / Issues
- Lack of binding power.
- Over-dependence on government for manpower & finance.
- Limited jurisdiction over armed forces (can only seek report from govt.).
- Delays in appointments.
Recent Reform (2019 Amendment)
- Reduced tenure from 5 to 3 years (or till 70 years of age).
- Expanded eligibility of Chairperson beyond CJI to include SC Judges.
- Increased representation from women.