Section 12 read with Section 29 of the Act lays down the functions of the Commission which are enumerated below: 

The Commission shall perform all or any of the following functions, namely:-

1. Inquire suo moto or on a petition presented to it by a victim or any person on his behalf, into complaints of:
   i. Violation of human rights or abetment thereof or 
   ii. Negligence in the prevention of such violation, by a public servant;

2. Intervene in any proceeding involving any allegation of violation of human rights pending before a court with the approval of such court;

3. Visit under intimation to the State Government, any jail or any other institution under the control of the State Government, 'where persons are detained or lodged for purposes of treatment, reformation or protection to study the living conditions of the inmates and make recommendations thereon;

4. Review the safeguards provided by or under the Constitution or any law for the time being in force for the protection of human rights and recommend effective measures for their implementation;

5. Review the factors, including acts of terrorism that inhibit the enjoyment of human rights and recommend appropriate remedial measures;

6. This clause has been repealed in the case of State Human Rights Commissions

7. Undertake research and promote research in the field of human rights

8. Spread human rights literacy among various sections of society and promote awareness of the safeguards available for the protection of these rights through publications, the media, seminars and other available means;

9. Encourage the efforts of non-government organisations and institutions working in the field of human rights

10. Such other functions as it may consider for the promotion of human rights