National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

Statutory body protecting human rights in India. Ensures life, liberty, equality, and dignity as per the Constitution and international covenants.

Established: 1993 under Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA).

Composition: Chairperson (ex-Chief Justice/Supreme Court judge), 5 full-time members, 7 deemed members.

Appointment: By the President on recommendation of a committee led by the Prime Minister.

Tenure: 3 years or until 70 years of age (whichever comes first).

Nata Pratha: A Controversial Custom in Rajasthan

Practiced for centuries, this custom involves living with a new partner after differences or death of a husband and wife. "Nata" means a relationship without any formal marriage.

Other Major Customs of Rajasthan

• Widow Remarriage: In 1856, Lord Dalhousie enacted the Widow Remarriage Act, a result of efforts by Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar.
• Dawariya Pratha: Kings, Maharajas, and Jagirdars used to give virgin girls (Dawariya) along with dowry during their daughters' marriages.
• Tyag Pratha: On the occasion of marriage in the Kshatriya caste, Bhaat etc. used to demand a donation or dakshina from the girl's family, called Tyag.