President of India has appointed former Supreme Court judge Justice V. Ramasubramanian as 9th Chairperson of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for a term of three years. Along with this, Priyank Kanoongo and retired Justice Vidyut Ranjan Sarangi have also been appointed as members of NHRC.
Key Points
- NHRC Chairperson post: The post of NHRC Chairperson was vacant since June 1, 2024, when the term of Justice Arun Mishra ended. Since then, Acting Chairperson Vijaya Bharti Sayani was heading the Commission.
- Justice Ramasubramanian: Justice Ramasubramanian, who is the second Chairperson of NHRC till date, has never served as Chief Justice of India.
- Opposition’s disagreement: The high-level committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recommended the chairmanship of Justice Ramasubramanian, but opposition leaders in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha expressed disagreement.
National Human Rights Commission
- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established on 12 October 1993 under the Indian Constitution. This commission works to protect and promote human rights. This commission was established under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993, which was amended in 2006.
Objective and function of NHRC
- To investigate human rights violations.
- To make recommendations for improving legal protection.
- To promote research and education to promote human rights.
- To work for the support of NGOs.
- To submit annual reports to the President.
- The commission has the powers of all civil courts under the Indian Constitution. It has maintained its ‘A’ category recognition since 1999, although its recognition was suspended for the first time for two years in 2023 and 2024.
Composition of NHRC
- One Chairperson and five full-time members.
- Seven Deemed Members.
The members and Chairperson of the Commission are appointed by the President, recommended by a committee. The committee consists of the following members:
- Prime Minister (Chairperson)
- Speaker of Lok Sabha
- Home Minister
- Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
- Deputy Speaker of Rajya Sabha
Amendment of 2019
- The NHRC Chairperson can be either the Chief Justice or a Justice of the Supreme Court.
- At least one member must be a woman.
- The tenure of the Chairperson and Members has been reduced from 5 years to 3 years or till the age of 70 years (whichever is earlier).
- The limit on reappointment has been removed.