RightsWatch – NHRC Urges State Panels to Stay Within Legal Limits
RightsWatch – The National Human Rights Commission has asked State Human Rights Commissions to work within their defined legal boundaries while improving coordination and digital integration across the country.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday advised State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs) to avoid taking up matters that fall outside their legal jurisdiction, stressing that overlapping investigations often create delays and unnecessary legal complications. The remarks were made during a virtual conference attended by SHRC representatives, Special Rapporteurs, and Special Monitors from different states.
Need for Better Coordination
NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian said human rights institutions should function according to the framework provided under the Protection of Human Rights Act. He noted that although courts have broadened the interpretation of fundamental rights over time, commissions must continue operating within the authority granted by law.
According to him, clear jurisdictional boundaries would help reduce duplication of complaints and allow commissions to focus on delivering faster and more effective resolutions. He also highlighted the importance of smoother information sharing among human rights bodies across states and at the national level.
Push for Digital Integration
Justice Ramasubramanian also encouraged State Commissions to modernise their working systems through digitisation. He urged them to become part of the integrated HRCNet portal developed in collaboration with the NHRC. The move, he said, could improve communication, streamline case management, and strengthen cooperation between national and state-level institutions.
He expressed optimism that closer engagement among commissions would lead to stronger institutional functioning in the future, including more opportunities for direct interaction and collaborative initiatives.
Several senior officials participated in the conference, including NHRC members Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi and Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, Secretary General Bharat Lal, Director General (Investigation) Anupama Nilekar Chandra, along with other senior officers.
Focus on Sensitive Human Rights Cases
Justice Sarangi described the conference as an important effort aimed at strengthening ties between the NHRC and SHRCs. He emphasised the need for consistent communication and better coordination to ensure that official directions are implemented effectively and relief reaches affected individuals without delay.
He particularly referred to sensitive cases such as custodial deaths, where timely action and coordinated investigation remain critical for justice and accountability.
Greater Public Engagement Encouraged
NHRC member Vijaya Bharathi Sayani stressed the importance of field visits and direct interaction with affected communities. She said greater engagement at the ground level would help commissions understand the realities faced by vulnerable groups more effectively.
She also suggested that closer cooperation between SHRCs and NHRC-appointed Special Monitors and Special Rapporteurs could improve institutional performance. During her remarks, she highlighted an initiative undertaken by the Karnataka government, where SHRC contact information has been publicly displayed to help citizens seek assistance more easily.
Complaint Data Highlights Key Concerns
Secretary General Bharat Lal shared data related to complaints received by the NHRC over the last five years. According to the figures presented, the commission registered nearly 4.28 lakh complaints during this period.
Police-related violations accounted for the largest share at 18 percent, followed by organised exploitation linked to mafia activities at 17.4 percent. Complaints connected to service matters, including non-payment of salaries and pensions, represented 6 percent of cases.
Issues related to women’s rights made up 5.8 percent of complaints, while concerns regarding jail and prison conditions accounted for 3.5 percent. Violations involving workers’ rights stood at 2.2 percent, while health-related complaints and alleged rights violations in educational institutions each represented 2 percent of the total complaints received.
Child rights violations formed 1.7 percent of the cases registered by the commission, reflecting the broad range of human rights concerns being reported across the country.