The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is a statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, with the primary objective of protecting and promoting human rights in India. Human rights are defined under the Act as the rights relating to life, liberty, equality, and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in international covenants and enforceable by courts in India. The establishment of the NHRC marked a significant step in strengthening the institutional framework for the protection of human rights in the country. It functions as an independent watchdog and seeks to ensure that the constitutional and legal rights of individuals are respected by public authorities. The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, provides the legal framework for the constitution, powers, functions, and procedures of the NHRC. The Commission consists of a Chairperson, who has been a Chief Justice of India or a Judge of the Supreme Court, along with other members possessing judicial experience and expertise in human rights. The Commission also includes ex officio members from various national commissions dealing with the rights of women, children, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, backward classes, and persons with disabilities, thereby ensuring a comprehensive approach to human rights protection. One of the principal powers of the NHRC is the power to inquire into complaints of human rights violations. It can investigate allegations of violations committed by public servants or cases where public authorities have failed to prevent such violations. Complaints may be filed by the victim, any person acting on behalf of the victim, or the Commission may initiate proceedings suo motu based on media reports or other credible information. This power enables the Commission to address issues affecting vulnerable and marginalized sections of society even in the absence of formal complaints. The NHRC has the authority to intervene in court proceedings involving allegations of human rights violations with the approval of the concerned court. Such intervention enables the Commission to present expert opinions, provide relevant information, and assist courts in ensuring the protection of fundamental rights. Although the Commission does not replace the judiciary, it plays a supportive role in promoting justice and ensuring that human rights concerns receive due consideration during legal proceedings. The Commission has the power to visit jails, detention centres, juvenile homes, mental health institutions, and other places where individuals are detained or confined under the control of the State. During such visits, it examines the living conditions of inmates and assesses whether their rights are being respected. It may recommend improvements in sanitation, healthcare, food, security, legal aid, and other essential facilities. These inspections serve as an important mechanism for preventing custodial violence, torture, and inhuman treatment. Another important function is the review of constitutional and legal safeguards for the protection of human rights. The NHRC examines whether existing laws, policies, and administrative practices adequately safeguard human rights and recommends suitable amendments wherever necessary. Through this function, the Commission contributes to legal reforms aimed at enhancing the protection of individual rights and ensuring that laws remain consistent with constitutional values and international standards. The NHRC also reviews factors that inhibit the enjoyment of human rights, including acts of terrorism, communal violence, caste