New Delhi: Former Supreme Court judge V Ramasubramanian has been appointed as the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), filling a position that had been vacant for over six months. The announcement was made on Monday, December 23, following a selection process led by the central government.
The NHRC chairperson’s role had remained unoccupied since June 1, 2024, after Justice (retd) Arun Kumar Mishra vacated the position. In the interim, Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, an NHRC member, served as the acting chairperson. The NHRC Act mandates that only a former Chief Justice of India or a retired Supreme Court judge can hold the post.
Justice Ramasubramanian, known for his expertise in constitutional law and human rights, was selected after a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 18. The meeting included key cabinet members, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, the leader of the opposition in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
The NHRC, established in 1993, plays a critical role in addressing human rights violations in India. Previous chairpersons, including former Chief Justices H.L. Dattu and K.G. Balakrishnan, have led significant initiatives during their tenure. The appointment of Justice Ramasubramanian is seen as a move to bring renewed focus to the commission’s efforts in safeguarding human rights.
Justice Ramasubramanian’s immediate priorities are expected to include addressing pending cases and enhancing the efficiency of NHRC’s interventions in human rights issues across the country.
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