Human Rights Bodies

Bodies having constitutional backing

observe & monitor safeguards provided in constitution for protection of marginalized sections
enquire into complaints relating to deprivation of rights / safeguards for marginalized sections
advise centre or states on planning schemes for socio economic development of marginalized sections
regularly reporting to the president on working of safeguards provided by constitution & law
promoting research & encouraging NGO in field of human rights
have powers of civil courts

elevates status, raises reputation
gets unparalleled powers to provide directions to govt ministries, departments
greater independence and autonomy in functioning
reports of such bodies have to be compulsorily tabled in Parliament along with ATR by the exec

Applies to all bodies, so write this down irrespective of whichever body the exam question asks of.

lack of independent investigation machinery
- relies on state or central agencies for investigations
only recommendatory bodies; recommendations are not binding
poor discussion of reports in legis
cannot entertain or inquire into complaints older than a specified period
- eg. 1yr for NHRC
appts based on political considerations
- $⟹$ compromise of independent functioning
limited power to suggest actions armed forces
shortage of staff & vacancies due to delayed appts hamper effective functioning

separate cadre and investigation machinery
encourage better discussions in parl on their erports
need to have broad based committee for appt for human rights bodies as is present for NHRC
open more offices, branches
undertake awareness campaigns
govt should act on war footing