The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has initiated a sweeping crackdown against non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that are misleading the public by using names deceptively similar to its own. Taking strong suo motu cognisance of the issue, the Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police (DGP) of all States and Union Territories, demanding immediate identification and legal action against such entities.
The move comes amid growing concerns that these "dubious organisations" are eroding public trust by creating confusion between themselves and the constitutional body. The NHRC warned that the continuation of such "illusory names" could lead to a misuse of mandate and the possible misappropriation of funds from unsuspecting individuals who believe they are dealing with an official agency .
The catalyst for this nationwide directive appears to be a specific case that recently came to the Commission's attention. The NHRC flagged an NGO registered as the 'National Human Rights Council (NHRC)' with the Government of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi in 2022.
According to the NHRC's observations, the organization’s publicity material makes several misleading claims, including being "Registered by Govt. of NITI Aayog," "Registered by Ministry of Corporate Affairs, India," and "Registered under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India" . Further investigation revealed a visiting card associated with the group bearing the inscription "Venkatesh, State Chairman, Karnataka," a designation the Commission found to be particularly misleading as it mimics official titles.
The rights panel noted that such deceptive nomenclature is a serious issue. It misleads the public into believing that these private organizations are either a part of the statutory National Human Rights Commission or are recognized or authorized by it to deal with human rights issues.
Despite previous warnings issued through various platforms regarding the misuse of its name and logo, the NHRC noted that violations have continued unabated . In response to the persistence of these infractions, the Commission has set a strict two-week deadline for state authorities to act.
The notices issued to the top bureaucrats and police chiefs across the country mandate them to identify any NGOs or individuals misusing the NHRC's name or operating under deceptively similar names. The authorities have been ordered to take "immediate legal action," which includes the cancellation of registrations obtained in violation of norms . Additionally, the NHRC has instructed registering authorities to remain vigilant against such defaulters in the future.
In the specific matter concerning the 'National Human Rights Council'—which operates with an office in Karnataka but is registered in Delhi—the Commission has sought detailed reports from the top officials of both regions.
The NHRC has directed the Chief Secretary and DGP of Karnataka, as well as the Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner of Delhi, to submit action-taken reports within two weeks . This dual directive aims to ensure a coordinated response against the NGO, targeting both its administrative registration and its physical operations.
This decisive action by the NHRC underscores its commitment to protecting its statutory identity and ensuring that the public is not deceived by organizations looking to capitalize on its name for financial gain or undue influence.
Leave Your Comment