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What Is a Human Rights Complaint?
What Is a Human Rights Complaint?
A Human Rights Complaint is a formal request made to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) or the State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs) when a person’s basic human rights are violated by public authorities, police, government officers, public servants, or agencies supported by the government.
Examples of human rights violations:
Unlawful detention or custodial torture
Police excesses
Harassment by public officials
Denial of legal rights
Atrocities against women, children, SC/ST persons
Violation of rights in prisons, hospitals, schools, etc.
State Human Rights Commissions (SHRC) – Complaint Procedure
State Human Rights Commissions (SHRC) – Complaint Procedure
A. When to Approach SHRC?
A. When to Approach SHRC?
File in SHRC when the violation occurs within a specific state, for example:
Uttar Pradesh SHRC
Maharashtra SHRC
Tamil Nadu SHRC
Delhi SHRC (only for UTs)
B. SHRC Filing Procedure (Online & Offline)
B. SHRC Filing Procedure (Online & Offline)
1. Online Method
1. Online Method
Many states provide online filing portals (example: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Rajasthan, etc.)
Common steps:
Visit respective SHRC website
Open "Online Complaint" section
Fill personal, incident & evidence details
Submit and receive complaint number
Track via portal or helpline
2. Offline Method (By Post)
2. Offline Method (By Post)
Write a complaint to the Chairperson, State Human Rights Commission of your state.
Include:
Your name, contact
Victim details
Full incident description
Evidence
Police reference documents
Relief requested
C. SHRC Complaint Status Checking
C. SHRC Complaint Status Checking
Available on respective SHRC websites.
If not online, you can check via:
Email inquiry
Phone helpline
RTI application to SHRC
Complaint in Human Rights
Human Rights Complaint – Complete Guide (India)
Human Rights Complaint – Complete Guide (India)
For National & State Human Rights Commissions
Who Can File a Human Rights Complaint?
Who Can File a Human Rights Complaint?
Anyone can file:
The victim
A relative or friend
Any public-spirited person
NGOs
Students / legal representatives
No court fee or lawyer is required.
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) – Filing Procedure
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) – Filing Procedure
A. Grounds Accepted by NHRC
A. Grounds Accepted by NHRC
NHRC accepts complaints only when:
✔ The violation is committed by public servants/government authorities
✔ Complaint is filed within 1 year of the incident
✔ Matter is not already sub-judice (pending in court)
B. How to File NHRC Complaint (Online Method)
B. How to File NHRC Complaint (Online Method)
Step-by-Step Online Filing
Step-by-Step Online Filing
Visit NHRC Complaint Portal
https://hrcnet.nic.in/HRCNet/public/webcomplaint.aspxClick “Register Complaint Online”
Fill details:
Complainant’s name & contact
Victim details
Incident description
Place & date of occurrence
Upload supporting documents:
Photos, audio, video
Medical reports
Police FIR/complaint
Witness statements (optional)
Submit & note your Diary Number
Track status using Diary Number.
C. Offline Method (By Post / Physical Submission)
C. Offline Method (By Post / Physical Submission)
Send a written complaint to:
The Chairperson,
National Human Rights Commission,
Manav Adhikar Bhawan, Block-C,
GPO Complex, INA, New Delhi – 110023
Email: covdnhrc@nic.in
Include:
Detailed complaint letter
Evidence
Your ID proof
Any previous police communication
D. NHRC Complaint Status Checking
D. NHRC Complaint Status Checking
Track complaint here:
👉 https://hrcnet.nic.in/HRCCaseStatus/CaseStatus.aspx
Enter your:
Diary Number
Name / Mobile
E. Time Taken by NHRC
E. Time Taken by NHRC
Acknowledgement: 24–72 hours
Preliminary review: 1–2 months
Detailed investigation: 6–12 months
Final order: varies case-to-case
F. NHRC Outcomes
F. NHRC Outcomes
NHRC may:
Recommend compensation
Order disciplinary action
Direct police investigation
Make systemic reforms
Close complaint with reasons
Structure of a Perfect Human Rights Complaint Letter
Structure of a Perfect Human Rights Complaint Letter
Model Format (For Website Use)
Model Format (For Website Use)
Subject: Complaint of Human Rights Violation under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993
Respected Sir/Madam,
I, [Name], resident of [Address], wish to file a complaint regarding a serious violation of human rights that occurred on [Date] at [Place].
Details of Incident:
Details of Incident:
(Explain what happened, who did it, role of police/officials, injury or loss caused)
Persons Responsible:
Persons Responsible:
(Name/Designation/Department)
Actions Requested:
Actions Requested:
✔ Inquiry
✔ Compensation
✔ Disciplinary Action
✔ Protection/Safety
Attachments:
ID Proof
FIR/Police complaint
Medical reports
Photos/videos
Witness statements
Yours sincerely,
[Name]
[Mobile]
[Email]
6. Important Rules & Limitations
6. Important Rules & Limitations
NHRC / SHRC will NOT entertain complaints if:
NHRC / SHRC will NOT entertain complaints if:
Filed after 1 year without reason
Issue is already in court
Against private individuals (unless police/public officials involved)
Matter relates to service disputes
Anonymous or vague petitions
Complaint to PG portal/ PMOPG
Complaint to PG portal/ PMOPG
Application for Nalasa Support
Application for Nalasa Support
Help in RTI application
Help in RTI application
Pro-Bono Department of justice
Pro-Bono Department of justice
Go to Website: https://probono-doj.in/user/applicant
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