The Rajasthan Human Rights Commission, established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, works to investigate rights violations, review safeguards, inspect state institutions, and promote awareness. It ensures accountability, protects vulnerable groups, and strengthens human rights governance across the state.

The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 allows the formation of both the National Human Rights Commission and a Human Rights Commission at the state level. A State Human Rights Commission can investigate cases related to human rights violations that fall under the State List (List II) or the Concurrent List (List III) of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

The Government of Rajasthan issued a notification on 18 January 1999 to establish the Rajasthan Human Rights Commission under the provisions of the 1993 Act. The commission became fully functional on 23 March 2000 when Justice Kanta Kumari Bhatnagar was appointed as the first Chairperson. She was joined by Shri R. K. Akodia, Shri B. L. Joshi, and Prof. Alamshah Khan as the other members.

Composition of Rajasthan Human Rights Commission

• The Rajasthan Human Rights Commission is a multi-member body made up of one Chairperson and two Members.
• The Chairperson must be a retired Judge of a High Court.
• The other Members may include:
  • A serving or retired Judge of a High Court, or a District Judge with at least seven years of experience,
  • A person who has significant knowledge or practical experience in the field of human rights.
• The Chairperson and Members are appointed by the Governor based on recommendations from a selection committee that includes:
  • The Chief Minister (Chairperson of the committee),
  • The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly,
  • The State Home Minister,
  • The Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly.
• If the state has a Legislative Council, the Chairperson of the Council and the Leader of the Opposition in the Council also become part of the selection committee.
• A sitting Judge of a High Court or a sitting District Judge can only be appointed to the Commission after consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court of the concerned state.

Term

• The Chairperson and Members of the State Human Rights Commission serve for three years or until they reach the age of 70, whichever happens first.
• Once their term ends, they are not eligible for any further government employment under either the State Government or the Central Government.

Appointment and Removal

• Although the Chairperson and Members of a State Human Rights Commission are appointed by the Governor, they can be removed only by the President of India.
• The President may remove them on the same grounds and in the same manner as the removal of the Chairperson or a Member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Notable Former Chairpersons and Members of Rajasthan Human Rights Commission

State Human Rights Commission Powers & Functions

The State Human Rights Commission acts as a watchdog for the protection of human rights within the state. Its main functions include:

• Conducting inquiries suo motu or based on complaints filed by a victim or any person on their behalf regarding violations of human rights or negligence by public officials.
• Intervening in ongoing court cases involving allegations of human rights violations, with the court’s approval.
• Inspecting jails, detention centers, and other state-run institutions to review the living conditions of inmates and recommend improvements.
• Analysis of elements like terrorist activities that hinder the enjoyment of human rights and provision of suitable solutions.
• Examining the safeguards guaranteed by the Constitution or even by the current legislation to ensure the safety of human rights and suggesting the actions to enhance its enforcement.
• Sensitizing people on human rights and sensitizing different sections of the society on the protection measures that can be applied in safeguarding human rights.
• Promoting and facilitating research on the topic of human rights.
• Assisting and coordinating with non-governmental organizations working towards the protection of human rights.
• Performing any other functions the Commission considers necessary for the advancement and promotion of human rights in the state.

Conclusion

The Rajasthan Human Rights Commission is very crucial in defending dignity, justice, and fairness within the state. Through violations investigation, checking state institutions, reviewing of policies and awareness creation, Commission enhances accountability and makes human rights a priority in the administration of the people. Even though its recommendations are not binding, they contribute to significant reforms and assist in protecting vulnerable populations. With the further development of Rajasthan, the Commission role gains even greater importance due to its role in enhancing transparency, better governance, and the need to have the rights of every citizen being respected.