State Human Rights Commissions — Prelims Questions

With reference to State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs), which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. SHRCs can investigate violations by armed forces without any prior approval 2. The Chairperson of SHRC must be a former Chief Justice of a High Court 3. SHRCs can take suo moto cognizance of human rights violations 4. SHRCs have the power to punish violators directly

The Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2019 brought which of the following changes to State Human Rights Commissions? 1. Extended the tenure of members from 3 years to 5 years 2. Harmonized the tenure period to 3 years renewable once 3. Expanded the definition of human rights to include economic and social rights 4. Removed the requirement of central approval for investigating armed forces

Which of the following limitations apply to State Human Rights Commissions? 1. Cannot investigate matters pending before any court 2. Cannot investigate incidents that occurred more than one year ago 3. Cannot investigate violations by private individuals 4. Cannot take cognizance of violations in other states

The appointment of State Human Rights Commission members involves which of the following authorities? 1. Governor of the state 2. Chief Minister of the state 3. Speaker of the Legislative Assembly 4. Chief Justice of the High Court

Consider the following statements about the relationship between NHRC and State Human Rights Commissions: 1. SHRCs are subordinate bodies under NHRC supervision 2. Both can investigate the same matter simultaneously 3. NHRC can override SHRC recommendations 4. SHRCs must report to NHRC annually