How to File a Complaint Online with NHRC India

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) receives complaints alleging violations of human rights or negligence by public servants in preventing such violations. This guide explains how to lodge a complaint online, provide supporting information and track its progress.

Legal Basis: Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993

The NHRC was constituted under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, as amended, including by the 2019 Amendment Act. The following provisions are particularly relevant:

• Section 2(1)(d): Defines human rights as rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in international covenants and enforceable by courts in India.
• Section 3: Provides for the constitution of the National Human Rights Commission.
• Section 12(a): Authorises inquiry, on the Commission's own initiative, on a petition by a victim or another person on the victim's behalf, or on a court's direction or order, into alleged human-rights violations, their abetment, or negligence in preventing such violations by public servants.
• Section 13: Provides powers relating to inquiry, including specified civil-court powers for summoning witnesses and requiring documents.
• Section 18: Provides for steps following inquiry, including recommendations for compensation or other action where applicable.
• Section 21: Provides for State Human Rights Commissions.
• Section 36: Restricts inquiry into matters pending before another statutory commission and generally bars inquiry more than one year after the alleged act.

Who Can Lodge an NHRC Complaint?

A victim or another person acting on the victim's behalf may bring a human-rights complaint. Matters may include alleged custodial abuse, unlawful detention, police excesses, discrimination involving public authorities, failure to protect life or dignity, and other conduct within the Commission's statutory mandate. The facts and the public servant's alleged role should be explained clearly.

Step-by-Step Procedure to File an NHRC Complaint Online

1. Visit the NHRC official website and open Lodge and Track Complaints.
2. Choose the Lodge Complaint option. The NHRC's complaint system may redirect you to the government's HRCNet portal at hrcnet.nic.in.
3. Select the state of the incident and the appropriate commission, if prompted. Enter the mobile number and email address requested by the current form.
4. Complete OTP or other verification displayed by the portal.
5. Enter the complainant's contact information, the victim's details, the location and date of the incident, the allegations, and details of any public authority involved.
6. State whether the same incident has already been placed before a court or another human-rights commission.
7. Specify the relief requested and upload supporting documents where the portal permits. Follow the displayed file type and size requirements.
8. Preview the information, check the declarations and privacy options, and submit the complaint.
9. Save the acknowledgment or diary number for subsequent tracking and correspondence.

Portal labels and verification screens may change. For the Commission's field-by-field instructions, consult its official online complaint guide.

Details to Provide in the Complaint Form

1. Complainant's details

Provide full name, gender where requested, correspondence address, state, district, PIN code and available contact details, including mobile number and email address.

2. Victim's details

Give the victim's name and address, state, district, PIN code, age and gender. Where relevant and requested, provide disability status, religion and caste. If several victims are involved, use the portal's group option where available.

3. Incident details

Identify the place, state, district and date of the incident. Choose the most accurate incident category and subcategory. Set out the sequence of events, relevant persons, alleged violation and the action or omission attributed to the authority concerned. Disclose related court proceedings or complaints to another commission.

4. Public servant and relief details

Where known, provide the name, designation, department and address of the public servant or authority concerned. Explain the action sought, such as an inquiry, protection, compensation recommendation or other appropriate remedial measures.

Supporting Documents and Evidence

Useful records may include copies of representations made to authorities, police complaints, medical records, correspondence, photographs, orders, witness details and other documents supporting the allegations. Upload only relevant material and follow the portal's current upload instructions. Do not publish sensitive victim information unnecessarily.

How to Track NHRC Complaint Status

After successful submission, the complaint normally receives a diary number. Use the NHRC complaint tracking service and enter the requested reference details. Keep the diary number and acknowledgment safely. The NHRC may seek reports from the relevant authorities or issue further directions during examination.

Jurisdiction, One-Year Rule and Other Restrictions

One-year statutory restriction: Section 36(2) provides that the NHRC or a State Commission shall not inquire into a matter after one year from the date of the alleged human-rights violation. File promptly rather than waiting for other correspondence to conclude.

Other commission proceedings: Under Section 36(1), the NHRC cannot inquire into a matter pending before a State Commission or another commission constituted under law. Ordinary private disputes without the required public-servant connection may fall outside the Commission's remit. Anonymous, vague or unsupported complaints may also face rejection under applicable complaint-handling guidelines.

Not a substitute for emergency help: Where there is immediate danger, seek emergency assistance or approach the police or competent court. An NHRC complaint does not automatically replace a criminal complaint, statutory appeal or judicial remedy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee for filing an NHRC complaint?

No. Filing a complaint with the NHRC does not require a filing fee.

Can someone complain on behalf of a victim?

Yes. Section 12(a) permits a petition by the victim or another person acting on the victim's behalf.

Can I file a complaint without using the online portal?

Yes. NHRC also identifies channels including post, email and in-person submission. Its published complaint email is complaint.nhrc@nic.in. See the official contact page for current details.

Can I complain about an incident more than one year old?

Section 36(2) imposes a one-year restriction on inquiries, subject to how the statutory provision applies to the facts. Obtain legal advice promptly if limitation is an issue.

How do I contact NHRC about complaint status?

Use online tracking or the NHRC facilitation counter. Its published toll-free helpline is 14433; verify current contact details on the official website.

Official Resources

• Lodge and track complaints - NHRC
• NHRC online complaint instructions
• Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993
• NHRC frequently asked questions

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information. Official requirements and portal procedures may change. Confirm the current position with the NHRC and obtain professional advice where appropriate.