National Human Rights Commission Practice Questions
20 free National Human Rights Commission practice questions for the Indian Polity. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established under which Act?
- A Human Rights Protection Act 1986
- B Protection of Human Rights Act 1993
- C Civil and Political Rights Act 1955
- D Fundamental Human Rights Act 2000
Correct answer: Protection of Human Rights Act 1993
NHRC was established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. This Act defines its powers and functions. It aims to safeguard human rights in India.
NHRC is classified as:
- A Constitutional body
- B Statutory body
- C Judicial body
- D Executive department
Correct answer: Statutory body
NHRC is a statutory body as it is created by an Act of Parliament. It is not mentioned in the Constitution. It operates independently within its legal framework.
Who appoints the Chairperson of NHRC?
- A Prime Minister
- B President
- C Parliament
- D Chief Justice
Correct answer: President
The President appoints the Chairperson of NHRC. The appointment is based on recommendations of a selection committee. This ensures fairness in selection.
Who is usually appointed as the Chairperson of NHRC?
- A Former Prime Minister of India
- B Former Chief Justice of India
- C Senior Government Bureaucrat
- D Elected Member of Parliament
Correct answer: Former Chief Justice of India
The Chairperson of NHRC is usually a former Chief Justice of India. This ensures legal expertise and independence. It enhances credibility.
What is the tenure of the NHRC Chairperson?
- A 5 years or until age 70
- B 3 years or until age 70
- C 6 years
- D 10 years
Correct answer: 3 years or until age 70
Under the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2019, the NHRC Chairperson holds office for a term of 3 years or until the age of 70, whichever is earlier. This replaced the original 5-year term set by the 1993 Act. The shorter term was introduced to allow more frequent turnover while retaining the age cap.
Which of the following is a function of NHRC?
- A Conducting free and fair elections
- B Investigating human rights violations
- C Making new laws for the country
- D Managing government public financial matters
Correct answer: Investigating human rights violations
NHRC investigates cases of human rights violations. It also reviews safeguards and promotes awareness. This is its primary role.
Which of the following is NOT under NHRC jurisdiction?
- A Police excesses
- B Custodial deaths
- C Private disputes
- D Violation by public servants
Correct answer: Private disputes
NHRC mainly deals with violations involving public servants. Private disputes are generally outside its scope. It focuses on state accountability.
NHRC submits its reports to:
- A Prime Minister
- B President
- C Parliament
- D Supreme Court
Correct answer: President
NHRC submits its reports to the President. The President places them before Parliament. This ensures transparency.
Which body recommends the appointment of NHRC members?
- A Parliament
- B Selection Committee
- C Supreme Court
- D Finance Commission
Correct answer: Selection Committee
A Selection Committee recommends NHRC members. It includes the Prime Minister and other leaders. This ensures balanced representation.
Which of the following powers does NHRC have?
- A Judicial power
- B Civil court power
- C Legislative power
- D Executive power
Correct answer: Civil court power
NHRC has powers of a civil court while investigating cases. It can summon witnesses and demand documents. This strengthens its authority.
Which of the following is a limitation of NHRC?
- A Cannot investigate individual complaints
- B Cannot enforce its recommendations
- C Cannot submit periodic reports
- D Cannot advise the government at all
Correct answer: Cannot enforce its recommendations
NHRC can only recommend action. It cannot enforce its decisions. Implementation depends on the government.
Which cases can NHRC take up?
- A Only cases that are currently ongoing
- B Cases within one year of occurrence
- C Any old cases from decades ago
- D Only cases already pending in court
Correct answer: Cases within one year of occurrence
NHRC generally considers cases within one year of occurrence. This ensures timely action. Older cases are usually not entertained.
Which of the following is an ex-officio member of NHRC?
- A The Chief Election Commissioner of India
- B Chairperson of National Commission for SC
- C Union Finance Minister of India
- D Attorney General for India
Correct answer: Chairperson of National Commission for SC
Chairpersons of commissions like SC, ST, Women, and Minorities are ex-officio members. This ensures coordination among bodies. It broadens representation.
Which of the following is NOT a role of NHRC?
- A Promoting human rights awareness
- B Reviewing safeguards
- C Enforcing punishments
- D Investigating violations
Correct answer: Enforcing punishments
NHRC cannot enforce punishments. It can only recommend actions. Enforcement lies with other authorities.
NHRC can intervene in court proceedings with:
- A Approval of President
- B Permission of the court
- C Order of Parliament
- D Advice of Prime Minister
Correct answer: Permission of the court
NHRC can intervene in court cases with the court’s permission. This allows it to assist in human rights matters. It enhances justice delivery.
Which of the following is true about NHRC recommendations?
- A They are binding
- B They are advisory
- C They are judicial orders
- D They are confidential
Correct answer: They are advisory
NHRC recommendations are advisory in nature. The government may accept or reject them. However, they carry significant moral authority.
Which of the following areas does NHRC focus on?
- A National defense policy
- B Human rights protection
- C Taxation and revenue policy
- D Foreign relations
Correct answer: Human rights protection
NHRC focuses on protection and promotion of human rights. It ensures dignity and equality. This is its core mandate.
Which authority can remove NHRC Chairperson?
- A Prime Minister directly
- B President after inquiry
- C Parliament through resolution
- D Supreme Court directly
Correct answer: President after inquiry
The President can remove the Chairperson after an inquiry by the Supreme Court. This ensures accountability. It follows due process.
Which of the following best describes NHRC?
- A Judicial authority
- B Anti-corruption body
- C Human rights watchdog
- D Legislative oversight body
Correct answer: Human rights watchdog
NHRC is a human rights watchdog. It monitors and investigates violations. It promotes awareness and protection.
Which concept is promoted by NHRC?
- A Economic growth
- B Human dignity and rights
- C Centralization
- D Judicial supremacy doctrine
Correct answer: Human dignity and rights
NHRC promotes human dignity and rights. It ensures protection of fundamental freedoms. This strengthens democratic values.