Which of the following are the functions of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)? 1. Inquiry at its own initiative on the violation of human rights 2. Inquiry on a petition presented to it by a victim 3. Visit to jails to study the condition of the inmates 4. Undertaking and promoting research in the field of human rights Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, possesses a broad mandate to protect and promote human rights in India. According to Section 12 of the Act, the Commission can conduct inquiries into human rights violations either suo motu (on its own initiative) or based on a petition presented by a victim or any person on their behalf [4]. Furthermore, the NHRC is empowered to visit jails and other government-controlled institutions to monitor the living conditions of inmates and ensure their rights are upheld [3]. The Commission also plays a proactive role in the academic and developmental sphere by undertaking and promoting research in the field of human rights [3]. Since all four listed functions—suo motu inquiry, petition-based inquiry, jail visits, and research promotion—are explicitly part of its statutory mandate, option 4 is correct.

Sources

1. [1] https://indianexpress.com/article/legal-news/how-national-human-rights-commission-aims-to-shed-toothless-tag-10384811/
2. [4] https://nhrc.nic.in/assets/uploads/publication/NHRCindia.pdf
3. [3] https://nhrc.nic.in/mandate