The Protection of Human Rights Act came into force on:

Key Points

• The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, came into force on 28th September, 1993.
• This Act was enacted to provide for the establishment of a National Human Rights Commission, State Human Rights Commissions in states and Human Rights Courts for better protection of human rights.
• The Act defines human rights as the rights relating to life, liberty, equality, and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the International Covenants and enforceable by courts in India.
• The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights in India.

Additional Information

• The NHRC is composed of a Chairperson, who has been a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and other members appointed by the President of India.
• The Commission has the power to investigate complaints of human rights violations, intervene in court proceedings, and recommend policy changes to the government.
• State Human Rights Commissions have similar powers and responsibilities at the state level.
• The establishment of Human Rights Courts aims to ensure speedy trial of offenses arising out of violations of human rights.
• The Act has been amended several times to address emerging human rights challenges and to strengthen the framework for their protection.