Open the official HRCNet complaint page
Go to the HRCNet online complaint form. You can also start from the NHRC official website.
This guide uses current NHRC/HRCNet information and the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, including the 2019 amendment.
Official portals: File complaints only through the NHRC website or HRCNet. NHRC states that no fee is charged for submitting a complaint.
How to File an NHRC Complaint Online
Choose the incident State and Commission
Select the State where the alleged incident occurred and choose the appropriate Commission option shown on HRCNet.
Enter contact details and verify OTP
Provide the mobile number and other requested contact information. Use the OTP sent by the portal to complete verification.
Fill complainant and victim details
Enter the requested identity, address, State, district, PIN code and contact particulars. Add victim details separately where the complainant and victim are different persons.
Describe the incident clearly
Give the place, State, district, incident date, category/sub-category and a concise but complete account of the alleged human rights violation.
Provide respondent/public authority and relief details
Where applicable, identify the public servant or authority concerned and clearly state the relief or intervention requested from the Commission.
Upload supporting documents where required
Attach relevant supporting material in the format and size accepted by the current HRCNet form. Avoid uploading irrelevant personal information.
Preview and submit the complaint
Check names, dates, contact details and the complaint narrative before final submission. Keep the acknowledgement and diary number safely.
Complaints NHRC Ordinarily Does Not Entertain
Before filing, check whether the matter falls within NHRC jurisdiction. NHRC's current FAQ states that the following types of complaints are ordinarily not entertained:
- Events that happened more than one year before the complaint is filed.
- Matters that are sub-judice, meaning pending before a court of law.
- Vague, anonymous or pseudonymous complaints.
- Frivolous complaints.
- Complaints relating to service matters.
Statutory time limit: Section 36(2) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 provides that the NHRC or a State Human Rights Commission shall not inquire into a matter after one year from the date on which the act constituting the alleged human rights violation was committed. Check the current law and official guidance for your facts before filing.
Applicable Human Rights Law
The National Human Rights Commission is constituted under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The Act has been amended, including by the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2019.
For complaint filing, important provisions include the Commission's statutory functions and inquiry powers under the Act, as well as Section 36 on matters outside the Commission's jurisdiction. NHRC also publishes its complaint procedure and operational filing guidance on its official website.
Information to Keep Ready
- Complainant's full name
- Address for correspondence
- State, district and PIN code
- Mobile number and email, where requested
- Victim's details, if different
- Date and place of incident
- State and district of incident
- Clear summary of facts/allegations
- Details of public servant/authority, where applicable
- Information about related court/commission proceedings
- Relief or intervention sought
- Relevant supporting documents
NHRC's online filing guidance currently asks users to fill most details in English, except the gist of the incident where the portal permits otherwise. Follow the instructions displayed on HRCNet because fields and technical requirements can change.
Track NHRC Complaint Status
After a complaint is successfully lodged, preserve the diary/acknowledgement details. NHRC states that complaints are assigned a diary number and processed through its complaint management system.
Other Ways to Contact NHRC About Complaints
| Purpose | Current official information |
|---|---|
| Complaint email | complaint.nhrc@nic.in |
| Facilitation / general complaint queries | 011-24651330 / 011-24663333 |
| Toll-free helpline | 14433 |
| Complaint filing fax | 011-24651332 |
| Postal address | National Human Rights Commission, Manav Adhikar Bhavan, C-Block, GPO Complex, INA, New Delhi - 110023, India |
Contact details can change. Verify them on the NHRC Facilitation Counter page before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to file an NHRC complaint?
NHRC states that it does not charge a fee for submitting a human rights complaint.
Can I file an NHRC complaint online?
Yes. NHRC directs users to HRCNet for online complaint lodging and tracking.
Can a complaint be filed for an incident older than one year?
Section 36(2) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 states that the Commission or State Commission shall not inquire into a matter after one year from the alleged act constituting the human rights violation. NHRC's FAQ also lists complaints concerning events older than one year among matters ordinarily not entertained.
How do I know whether my complaint was submitted?
Keep the acknowledgement and diary number generated or communicated after filing. The diary/case details can be used to follow the complaint's status through the official system.
Should I include every document I have?
Upload documents that are relevant to the alleged violation and the relief sought. Follow the current HRCNet instructions for permitted file types and size limits.
Official Links
NHRC India · How to File an Online Complaint · HRCNet Lodge Complaint · Complaint / Case Status · Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993