Human Right Commission

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established on 12th October 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It serves as the apex body for the protection and promotion of human rights in India, safeguarding the rights relating to life, liberty, dignity, and equality as enshrined in the Constitution and international covenants.
The Commission has the authority to inquire, either Suo motu or on a petition by a victim or a representative, into complaints of violation of human rights, abetment, or negligence in preventing such violations by public servants. It also has the power to visit jails and detention centres across India after prior intimation to the State Government, and to recommend corrective measures wherever needed.

To support this framework at the state level, State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs) have also been constituted in various states under Chapter V of the same Act. These Commissions have similar powers and functions within their respective jurisdictions and address violations committed at the state and district levels. Like the NHRC, State Commissions can investigate complaints, call for reports from public authorities, and recommend remedial action. They act as accessible forums for redressal of grievances involving police misconduct, custodial deaths, illegal detention, and denial of basic rights by state-level authorities.

Both the NHRC and SHRCs have quasi-judicial powers similar to those of a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, enabling them to summon individuals, examine witnesses under oath, and call for production of documents. Their recommendations, while not legally binding, are expected to be acted upon by the concerned government within a stipulated time. In cases of non-compliance, petitioners retain the right to approach the High Courts or Supreme Court for enforcement.

At NRI Legal Consultants, we provide assistance to individuals particularly Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in approaching the NHRC and SHRCs for matters involving custodial torture, illegal detention, harassment by public officials, and failure of state machinery to act on complaints. Our services include legal drafting, filing of complaints, correspondence with authorities, and if needed, escalation of the matter to constitutional courts through writ petitions.

The Criminal Litigation Wing of NRI Legal Consultants is headed by Senior Advocate Navkiran Singh, a highly respected member of the legal fraternity with over 35 years of experience in the field of criminal law. Advocate Navkiran Singh has consistently been at the forefront of human rights advocacy and criminal defence litigation, representing individuals in cases involving wrongful prosecution, police excesses, custodial torture, false FIRs, and violations of due process. Under his leadership, the firm’s criminal wing has earned a strong reputation for its fearless pursuit of justice and deep commitment to upholding the rule of law. His decades of legal practice before the Punjab & Haryana High Court and other forums have equipped the team with unmatched strategic insight and courtroom expertise, particularly in matters involving NRIs who face criminal litigation or require redressal for abuses of power within India.

Our firm ensures that NRIs despite being overseas can effectively pursue justice through legally valid representation such as Power of Attorney, minimizing the need for personal presence while maintaining full procedural compliance.

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