State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs)

State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs)-

• The Protection of Human Rights Act of 1993 provides for the creation of not only the National Human Rights Commission but also a State Human Rights Commission at the state level

The chairperson-

• Chief Justice or Judge of a High Court will be chairperson of a SHRC

Note-

• Initially (before amendment of 2019 ) The chairperson of the SHRC was a person who has been who has been a Chief Justice of a High Court.

Members-

• Initially its members were five but it was reduced to 3 including chairperson through Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2006.

• There are 2 members in the commission.

• Members should be a serving or retired judge of HC or district judge with 7 years experience and a person of knowledge or practical experience in field of human rights.

Term of office-

• The chairperson and the members hold office for a period of 3 years or until they attain the age of 70, whichever is earlier.

Note 1-

• Initially (before amendment of 2019) term was 5 year.

Note 2-

• There is no bar on reappointment of members of SHRC.

The Chairperson and members of the SHRC are appointed by the Governor, on the recommendation of a committee consisting of:

• The Chief Minister.

• The Home Minister.

• The Leader of the Opposition in the legislative council.

• The Leader of the Opposition in the legislative assembly.

• The Speaker of the legislative assembly.

• The Chairman of the legislative council.

Removal and Functions of SHRC is similar to that of NHRC

Human Rights Courts

• The Protection of Human Rights Act (1993) also provides for the establishment of Human Rights Court in every district for the speedy trial of violation of human rights.

• These courts can be set up by the state government only with the concurrence of the Chief Justice of the High Court of that state.