Question

This body was established in 1993, with Justice Ranganath Mishra as its first Chairman. Identify the body, provide some context about it and explain its importance.

Answer 1

Instructions: Identify the body, provide reasons behind its formation and explain its composition and finally list down its functions.

Solution:

• The body being referred to is the National Human Rights Commission, which was established in 1993, after the Human Rights Protection Law was passed in Parliament.
• Formation: The Commission was established to act as a watchdog that monitors human rights violations in India.
• Composition: It is led by a retired Chief Justice of India and 4 other members. Justice Ranganath Mishra was its first Chairman.
• Functions:
• Addresses complaints of human rights violations in India.
• Visits prisons and ensures that the inmates live under humane conditions.
• Issues directives to various organisations to protect and ensure human rights.
• Promotes voluntary organisations that work to protect human rights.