Should States Take Action Against Imposters Using NHRC's Name?
Synopsis
The NHRC has raised alarms about imposters and NGOs operating under names similar to its own. This directive urges states to act quickly against such entities, which could mislead the public and undermine trust in legitimate human rights efforts. Can state authorities effectively tackle this pressing issue within the set timeline?
Key Takeaways
NHRC warns against organizations using similar names.
States directed to take action within two weeks.
Misleading titles can confuse the public.
Potential for misuse of funds and authority.
Public trust in human rights advocacy is at stake.
New Delhi, Feb 19 (NationPress) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a stern warning regarding imposters and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have registered under names that closely resemble its own. The commission has instructed all states to take decisive action against these entities, according to an official statement.
The NHRC has requested reports on actions taken from all states within a two-week timeframe, as stated by the official.
Recently, the Commission discovered an NGO registered as the 'National Human Rights Council (NHRC)', which allegedly obtained its registration from the Government of NCT of Delhi in 2022, following complaints from concerned individuals.
The rights panel noted that this NGO’s promotional materials assert, “Registered by Govt. of NITI Aayog”, “Registered by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, India”, “Registered under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India” and affiliation with the “Andhra Pradesh Human Rights Council Association”.
A business card linked to this organization also mentions “Venkatesh, State Chairman, Karnataka”, according to the statement from the NHRC.
Due to the seriousness of the situation, the Commission has taken suo motu cognizance. It has observed that the name and title “Chairman” are misleading and could cause confusion among the public.
The deceptive naming practices mislead the public into thinking these organizations are either affiliated with the National Human Rights Commission or have its endorsement to address human rights issues.
The Commission believes that allowing such misleading names could undermine public trust, enable misuse of authority, lead to possible misappropriation of funds, and create confusion for public bodies trying to differentiate between a statutory entity like the NHRC and NGOs.
The NHRC has previously raised alarms through various channels regarding the exploitation of its name and logo, urging relevant authorities to take action against those behind such dubious organizations.
“Yet, violations persist,” it noted.
Consequently, the Commission has sent notices to the Chief Secretaries and Director Generals of Police in all States/UTs, instructing them to identify NGOs and individuals misusing the NHRC name or those with deceptively similar titles, and to initiate prompt legal measures within two weeks, including the cancellation of registrations that violate regulations.
They have also been tasked with ensuring that registering authorities remain vigilant and take necessary actions against violators.
Furthermore, regarding the current case, the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Karnataka, along with the Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Police in Delhi, have been directed to submit reports within two weeks concerning actions taken against the NGO based in Karnataka and registered in Delhi.
Point of View
The NHRC's proactive stance against misleading organizations is vital to maintaining the credibility of human rights advocacy in India. It is crucial for states to swiftly identify and act against such entities to preserve public trust and ensure that genuine human rights issues are addressed effectively.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What actions have been directed by the NHRC?
The NHRC has instructed all states to identify and take legal action against imposters and NGOs using its name or similar names, including cancelling their registrations if necessary.
Why is the NHRC concerned about these imposters?
The NHRC is concerned that these misleading organizations could confuse the public, undermine trust in legitimate human rights bodies, and potentially misappropriate funds.
What is the deadline for states to report back?
States have been given a two-week deadline to report back on the actions taken against these imposters.
How does the NHRC plan to address continued violations?
The NHRC is actively monitoring the situation and has previously expressed concerns about the misuse of its name, urging authorities to take action.
What specific cases have prompted NHRC's recent actions?
The NHRC's recent actions were prompted by the discovery of an NGO registered as the 'National Human Rights Council' that misrepresents its affiliation with legitimate bodies.
