National Human Rights Commission Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of NGOs Misusing Its Name and Logo
In the specific case of the “National Human Rights Council (NHRC)”, the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Karnataka, as well as the Chief Secretary and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, have been directed to submit action taken reports within two weeks regarding steps initiated against the NGO, which is stated to have its office in Karnataka and is registered in Delhi.
Notes continued violations despite prior warnings; issues notices to Chief Secretaries and DGPs of all States and UTs
New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of the alleged misuse of its name and logo by certain non-governmental organisations (NGOs) registered under deceptively similar names.
The Commission said it has been receiving complaints from individuals and NGOs across the country alleging violations of human rights. During the examination of these complaints, it observed that several NGOs had registered themselves under names closely resembling that of the statutory body, potentially misleading the public.
Recently, the Commission came across an NGO registered as “National Human Rights Council (NHRC)”, reportedly registered with the Government of NCT of Delhi in 2022. The organisation’s publicity material reportedly claims credentials such as “Registered by Govt. of NITI Aayog”, “Registered by Ministry of Corporate Affairs, India”, “Registered under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India”, and association with “Andhra Pradesh Human Rights Council Association”. A visiting card linked to the organisation also bears the designation “Venkatesh, State Chairman, Karnataka”.
The Commission observed that the adoption of such nomenclature and the use of titles like “Chairman” are misleading and create confusion among the public. It stated that deceptive names may lead people to believe that such organisations are either part of the National Human Rights Commission or are officially recognised or authorised by it.
According to the Commission, the continuation of such illusory names may erode public trust, result in misuse of its mandate, possible misappropriation of funds, and create confusion for public authorities in distinguishing between a statutory body like the NHRC and private NGOs.
The NHRC noted that it had earlier expressed concern through various platforms regarding the misuse of its name and logo and had informed the concerned authorities to take action against those behind such dubious organisations. However, violations continue to come to its notice.
In view of the gravity of the matter, the Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretaries and Director Generals of Police of all States and Union Territories, directing them to identify NGOs or individuals misusing the name of the National Human Rights Commission or using deceptively similar names. The authorities have been asked to take immediate legal action within two weeks, including cancellation of registrations obtained in violation of norms, and to sensitise registering authorities to remain vigilant.
Additionally, in the specific case of the “National Human Rights Council (NHRC)”, the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Karnataka, as well as the Chief Secretary and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, have been directed to submit action taken reports within two weeks regarding steps initiated against the NGO, which is stated to have its office in Karnataka and is registered in Delhi.
The National Human Rights Commission, India is a statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It is mandated to protect and promote human rights, inquire into complaints of violations, and recommend measures for effective implementation of safeguards provided under the Constitution and laws of the country.
