Guiding NRIs in Filing Complaints Before the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India

Legal Light Consulting: Guiding NRIs in Filing Complaints Before the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India, established on 12th October 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993, is India’s premier body for safeguarding and promoting human rights.

It works as an autonomous quasi-judicial authority with the mandate to protect the constitutional rights of life, liberty, equality, and dignity of individuals.

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), challenges often arise when rights are violated either directly in India or indirectly through the inaction of Indian authorities.

In such cases, the NHRC provides an accessible and effective platform for seeking justice. At Legal Light Consulting (LLC), we assist NRIs in drafting, filing, and pursuing their complaints before the NHRC with professionalism and confidentiality.

What Constitutes a Human Rights Violation?

The NHRC can be approached when authorities in police, administration, or other government departments fail to take lawful action. Key issues include:

1. Police & Custodial Violations

   • Unlawful detention, illegal arrest, false implication

   • Custodial violence, harassment of prisoners, unlivable jail conditions

   • Custodial or encounter deaths

2. Social Justice & Vulnerable Groups

   • Atrocities on SCs/STs and denial of welfare benefits

   • Bonded labour, child labour, child marriage

   • Exploitation of women, dowry harassment, sexual harassment

3. Civic Rights & Welfare Schemes

   • Denial of access to clean water, healthcare, education, and food

   • Starvation deaths, malnutrition, corruption in welfare schemes (e.g., MGNREGA, ICDS, old-age pension)

   • Rights of disabled persons, displacement due to mega projects, environmental pollution

4. Other Critical Issues

   • Human trafficking, abduction, sexual assault, murder attempts

   • Inaction during communal violence, public unrest, or law & order deterioration

   • LGBTI rights violations and elder neglect

Who Can File a Complaint?

• The victim themselves

• Any person on behalf of the victim

• NHRC can also take suo motu action based on credible media reports

For NRIs, this is particularly valuable since representation in person is not always possible. Our team at LLC ensures your complaint is properly drafted and submitted from abroad.

Complaints Not Entertained by NHRC

• Incidents older than one year before filing

• Matters already pending before a court or another commission

• Vague, anonymous, or frivolous complaints

• Service-related matters (except pensions/retirement benefits)

• Civil disputes, property, or matrimonial matters

How to File a Complaint with NHRC

The process is straightforward and no fee is charged by the NHRC. Complaints can be filed:

• By Post:
  National Human Rights Commission,
  Manav Adhikar Bhawan, Block-C,
  GPO Complex, INA, New Delhi – 110023

• By Fax: 011-24651334

• Online: www.nhrc.nic.in

• Through Common Service Centres (CSCs): A small assistance fee of ₹30/- (inclusive of GST) may apply if using a Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE).

Complaints must include:

• Date and place of incident

• Nature of violation

• Public authority/persons involved

• Contact details of the complainant

Updates on the case are sent via post, email, or mobile, ensuring transparency in the process.

How Legal Light Consulting Helps NRIs

Navigating Indian procedures from abroad can be overwhelming. At Legal Light Consulting, we support NRIs in:

 Reviewing incidents to determine if they qualify as human rights violations under NHRC’s mandate

Drafting and submitting complaints on your behalf

Coordinating with NHRC for updates and compliance

Ensuring victims receive both relief and the guilty face punishment

Advising NRIs on other remedies available in Indian courts, if required

LLC Lawyer work

The NHRC of India is a vital institution safeguarding constitutional rights. For NRIs, it provides an effective mechanism to seek remedies when life, liberty, equality, and dignity are at stake due to negligence, abuse, or denial of rights.

At Legal Light Consulting, we stand as your trusted partner in filing, monitoring, and pursuing complaints before NHRC. Our experienced lawyers ensure that your voice is heard, even if you are living thousands of miles away from India.

📌 For expert consultation and case review, reach out to Legal Light Consulting today.