Key Takeaways
- The Modi government is considering appointing former Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud as the chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
- A selection committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly led to disagreements between government and opposition members over the NHRC appointments.
- The NHRC chairman’s position has been vacant since June 1, following the end of Justice Arun Kumar Mishra’s term.
New Delhi: The Modi government is reportedly considering appointing recently retired Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud as the next chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The high-profile selection process took a significant step forward on Wednesday, December 18, when a meeting of the NHRC selection committee was convened under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While no official announcement has been made, sources suggest that Justice Chandrachud is a leading contender for the position.
Key Meeting of Selection Committee
The crucial meeting, held on Wednesday, saw participation from key political figures, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. Despite the high-level discussions, reports indicate a lack of consensus within the committee. Opposition leaders are said to have disagreed with the government’s choices for both the chairman and a member of the NHRC.
Sources reveal that the opposition members may submit a formal dissent letter in response to the government’s decisions, though they refrained from publicly commenting on the matter. A notification regarding the appointment is expected to be issued soon.
NHRC Chairman’s Post Vacant Since June
The NHRC has been without a permanent chairman since June 1, when Justice Arun Kumar Mishra completed his term. In the interim, NHRC member Vijaya Bharti Sayani has been serving as the acting chairperson. As per the established procedure, the President of India appoints the NHRC chairman based on the recommendation of the selection committee. Eligible candidates typically include former CJIs or retired judges of the Supreme Court.
Justice DY Chandrachud Among the Top Names
Among the names being speculated for the NHRC chairmanship, Justice DY Chandrachud has emerged as a prominent contender. Chandrachud, who retired as CJI on November 8, is widely respected for his judicial contributions, including landmark judgments on privacy, gender equality, and human rights. If appointed, he will follow in the footsteps of former CJIs HL Dattu and KG Balakrishnan, who have also served as NHRC chairmen.
Opposition’s Stance on the Selection Process
Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, have reportedly voiced their discontent with the government’s approach to the NHRC appointments. While their exact objections remain unclear, the dissent underscores the ongoing friction between the ruling and opposition parties over critical institutional roles.
The Road Ahead
With the NHRC’s chairmanship being a pivotal role in safeguarding human rights in India, the appointment process is being closely watched. Justice Chandrachud’s potential appointment could mark a significant step forward, given his reputation for judicial independence and a progressive approach to human rights issues. However, the disagreement within the selection committee highlights the broader political challenges in achieving consensus on such appointments.
A formal notification on the NHRC’s new chairman is anticipated soon, which will bring clarity to the speculations and potentially pave the way for stronger institutional leadership in the field of human rights.
