congress-criticises-flawed-selection-of-rights-panel-chief

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have raised concerns over the selection process for the chairperson and members of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). They described the process as "flawed" and "pre-determined," claiming it lacked proper consultation and consensus.

Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Kharge, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, had proposed Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman and Justice Kuttiyil Mathew Joseph for the NHRC chairperson's position. 

However, former Supreme Court judge V Ramasubramanian was appointed as the chief of the human rights panel.

In their dissent note, Gandhi and Kharge pointed out that the selection process did not consider factors like region, religion, or caste, showing the government's "dismissive approach." 

They also recommended Justice S Muralidhar and Justice Akil Abdulhamid Qureshi for the NHRC member positions, citing their strong track records in upholding human rights. They argued that their inclusion would enhance the NHRC's effectiveness and promote diversity.

Before Justice (retd) Ramasubramanian's appointment, the position of NHRC chairperson had been vacant since Justice (retd) Arun Kumar Mishra's tenure ended on June 1. After Mishra’s retirement, Vijaya Bharathi Sayani served as the acting chairperson.

 

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On December 18, a high-level committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi met to select the NHRC chairperson. Gandhi and Kharge were part of the meeting. 

According to the NHRC law, the committee includes the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Home Minister, the leaders of the opposition in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and the Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.

The NHRC chairperson is appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of the selection committee, and the chairperson is typically a former Chief Justice of India or a retired Supreme Court judge.

The NHRC later announced the appointment of Justice V Ramasubramanian (retd) as chairperson, along with Priyank Kanoongo and Dr. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi (retd.) as members. Kanoongo had previously served as the chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).

 

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