Answer: 

Introduction:

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India has played a significant role in promoting and protecting human rights standards since its inception in 1993. It is an autonomous public body that was established to protect and promote human rights, defined by the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights, within India.

Body:

The NHRC can be seen as a vital complement to the judiciary and other institutions in the following ways:

• Investigation of Violations:
  • The NHRC investigates violations of human rights, either on its initiative or based on complaints.
  • It can visit prisons and other institutions under the control of the government to ensure that they respect human rights standards.
  • For instance, the NHRC has played an active role in investigating instances of custodial deaths, police atrocities, and violations of the rights of marginalized communities.
  • It complements the judiciary by stepping in when these violations may not reach the courts.
• Review of Laws and Policies:
  • The NHRC can review laws and policies for their human rights implications, recommend changes, and advocate for new laws that advance human rights.
  • It plays a crucial role in ensuring that the government’s actions align with India’s constitution and international human rights commitments.
  • For instance, NHRC’s recommendations were instrumental in the passing of the Protection of Human Rights Act.
• Awareness and Education:
  • The NHRC has a crucial role in promoting awareness about human rights, creating a culture of respect for human rights.
  • It conducts public hearings, workshops, and campaigns to enhance people’s understanding of their rights, thereby complementing the educational efforts of other institutions.
• Advisory Role:
  • The NHRC advises the government on human rights issues, serving as a bridge between civil society and the government.
  • It helps ensure government accountability by making recommendations based on its investigations and reviews.
  • For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHRC issued advisories to the government on safeguarding the rights of marginalized and vulnerable sections of the society.
• International Cooperation:
  • The NHRC cooperates with international human rights bodies, sharing best practices and learning from their experiences.
  • This cooperation helps ensure that India’s human rights protection measures are in line with international standards.

However, for the NHRC to be more effective, it needs more support from other mechanisms that ensure government accountability. The NHRC lacks the power to enforce its recommendations, relying on moral authority and public pressure to make the government act. It needs more cooperation from the judiciary, which can enforce its recommendations, and from the government, which must implement the recommended changes. It also needs more cooperation from civil society, which can help by spreading awareness about human rights and reporting violations.

Conclusion:

The NHRC plays a vital role in complementing the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human rights in India. However, for it to be more effective, it needs more support from these other institutions and mechanisms that ensure government accountability.

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