Under Section 18 PHRA 1993, the NHRC has the SAME powers as a CIVIL COURT trying a suit under the CPC for inquiry purposes. After inquiry, NHRC may:

1. Section 13 PHRA gives NHRC POWERS OF A CIVIL COURT: summoning witnesses, requiring documents, receiving evidence on affidavit, etc. 2. Section 18 PHRA: after inquiry, the NHRC may take any of the following steps — (a) recommend to the concerned Government / authority the initiation of proceedings for prosecution / other action; (b) approach the Supreme Court / High Court for such directions, orders or writs; (c) recommend the Government / authority to grant immediate interim relief; (d) recommend the payment of such sum of money as compensation. 3. NHRC RECOMMENDATIONS are NOT BINDING but are persuasive; the government must respond within one month. 4. Hence option B is correct. _Source: UDHR 1948 / ICCPR 1966 / ICESCR 1966 / CAT 1984 / CEDAW 1979 / CRC 1989 / PHRA 1993 / Constitution Part III — Protection of Human Rights Act 1993, Sections 13 and 18_