Section 12 — Functions of the Commission.

12. Functions of the Commission.—The Commission shall perform all or any of the following 

functions, namely:— 

(a)  inquire, suo motu or on a petition presented to it by a victim or any person on his behalf
  1[or 

on a direction or order of any court], into complaint of— 

(i)   violation of human rights or abetment thereof; or  

(ii)  negligence in the prevention of such violation, by  a public servant;  

(b)   intervene in any proceeding involving any allegation of  violation  of  human rights pending 

before a court  with  the approval of such court; 

2
[(c) visit, notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, any 

jail or other institution under the control of the State Government, where persons are detained or 

lodged for purposes of treatment, reformation or protection, for the study of the living conditions of 

the inmates thereof and make recommendations thereon to the Government;] 

 (d) review   the  safeguards  provided  by  or  under   the  Constitution  or any law for the time 

being in force for  the   protection  of human rights and recommend measures for  their  effective 

implementation; 

(e) review the factors, including acts of terrorism,  that  inhibit   the  enjoyment  of  human  rights   

and   recommend appropriate remedial measures; 

(f) study treaties and other international instruments on human  rights  and make 

recommendations for  their  effective implementation; 

(g) undertake and promote research in the field  of  human rights; 

(h) spread human rights literacy among various sections of society and promote awareness of the 

safeguards available for the  protection  of these rights  through  publications,  the media, seminars 

and other available means; 

(i)  encourage the efforts of non-governmental organisations  and institutions working in the field 

of human rights; 

(j)  such other functions as it may consider necessary  for the promotion of human rights.