The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993
Administered Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs / Department of States
Act details
| Short title | The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 |
|---|---|
| Long title | An Act to provide for the constitution of a National Human Rights Commission, State Human Rights Commissions in States and Human Rights Courts for better protection of human rights and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. |
| Act number | 10 of 1994 |
| Act year | 1994 |
| Enactment date | 8 Jan 1994 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Home Affairs / Department of States |
| Department | Department of States |
| Jurisdiction | Central (Parliament of India) |
| Sections | 45 |
| Status | Not repealed |
| Last checked on India Code | 29 Oct 2026 |
| Source | India Code, Government of India |
Legislative history
Legislative History:
The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993
Act Title The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993
Act Number 10 of 1994
Act ID (India Code) 199410
Presidential Assent Date January 8, 1994
Enforcement Date September 28, 1993
Nodal Ministry Ministry of Home Affairs
Precedent & Historical Rationale
1. Global Human Rights Commitments:
o In the early 1990s, India faced increasing international scrutiny regarding custodial violence, law enforcement practices, and civil liberties. Ratifying major international human rights treaties underscored the necessity for an independent national mechanism to safeguard fundamental rights domestically.
2. Institutionalizing Accountability and Redress:
o To provide an autonomous, statutory watchdog capable of investigating human rights violations, reviewing constitutional safeguards, and promoting human rights literacy independently of direct political interference, the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and corresponding State Commissions became imperative.
Parliamentary Trajectory & Enactment
• Formulation: Initially promulgated as an Ordinance by the President on September 28, 1993, to immediately operationalize the statutory framework and constitute the National Human Rights Commission.
• Parliamentary Passage: Introduced as a Bill to replace the Ordinance, it was thoroughly debated and passed by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
• Presidential Assent: Received Presidential Assent on January 8, 1994.
• Enforcement: Enforced on September 28, 1993.
• Source: Official Records of Parliament, India Code, and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) / Ministry of Home Affairs.