The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) was established on 15.01.2000,Vide government Resolution No.HRC 1099/378/Pol No.14 Under Section 21(1) of Protection of Human Rights Acts,1993.

The Commission is responsible for spreading of human rights awareness amongst the masses and encouraging the efforts of all stake holders in the field of human rights literacy.

Section 2(1) (d) of the Protection Of Human Rights Act defines Human Rights as the rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the International Covenants and enforceable by courts in India.

The MSHRC, India plays an active role in coordinating with other NHRIs of the world to enhance awareness from the perspective of human rights. It has also hosted delegations from UN Bodies and other Maharashtra State Human Rights Commissions as well as members of civil society, lawyers and political and social activists from many countries.