Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have expressed their dissent over the selection of the chairperson and members of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), criticizing the process as “flawed” and a “pre-determined” exercise that bypassed mutual consultation and consensus.
Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Kharge, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, had proposed the names of Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman and Justice Kuttiyil Mathew Joseph for the role of NHRC chairperson. However, former Supreme Court judge V. Ramasubramanian was appointed to the position. In their dissent note, the Congress leaders argued that the appointments ignored considerations of regional, religious, and caste balance, calling the process a reflection of the government’s “dismissive approach.”
Additionally, Gandhi and Kharge recommended Justice S. Muralidhar and Justice Akil Abdulhamid Qureshi as NHRC members, citing their “exemplary track records in upholding human rights.” They emphasized that the inclusion of these judges would enhance the NHRC’s effectiveness and commitment to diversity.
The post of NHRC chairperson had been vacant since June 1, following the completion of Justice Arun Kumar Mishra’s tenure. After his retirement, Vijaya Bharathi Sayani served as the acting chairperson of the commission.
On December 18, a high-powered committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi met to select the new NHRC chairperson. Gandhi and Kharge were present at the meeting. Under the law governing the NHRC, the committee, which is responsible for selecting the NHRC chairperson, is headed by the Prime Minister and includes the Lok Sabha Speaker, the Home Minister, the Leader of Opposition in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and the Deputy Chairperson of Rajya Sabha.
The NHRC’s chairperson is appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of this committee, and the position is typically filled by a former Chief Justice of India or a retired Supreme Court judge.
On Monday, the NHRC announced the appointments of Justice V. Ramasubramanian (retd) as chairperson, along with Priyank Kanoongo and Dr. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi (retd) as members. Kanoongo previously served as the chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
