(07/08/2021- Excerpt from Institution Website)

PUCL is the largest human rights organisation in the country, striving to defend civil liberties and human rights of all members of society. The PUCL does not simply react. Our primary functions are

1. To increase consciousness about and commitment to human rights and civil liberties among all sections of our people

2. To provide a platform for all groups including political parties to come together for furthering the cause of human rights

3. To energise and creatively use existing institutions like the courts and the press, so that they may become more sensitive to the human rights situation in India; and

4. To intervene directly in cases where gross violations of human rights take place

"We organise seminars, Lectures, etc., to focus attention on the problems concerning its area of work. We have raised our voice against various oppression laws and retrograde amendments to the Constitution. We have tried to find the causes of communal riots and create amity amongst various sections of society. We also organise observer teams at the time of Elections from sensitive constituencies. We have been active on environmental issues, especially for the rights of those affected adversely by 'development' projects. In addition, we also take up public interest litigations at our own expense. We are the guardians of the nation’s conscience, and over the past 30 years, we have worked tirelessly to protect the powerless and help create a truly democratic and just society."