New Delhi: Former Supreme Court judge Justice V. Ramasubramanian has been appointed as the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), with Priyank Kanoongo and Dr. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi joining as members of the panel. However, the appointments have sparked criticism from the Congress party, which has alleged flaws in the selection process.
In a dissent note released today, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and inclusivity in the process. The note stated, “The selection committee’s meeting on Wednesday appeared to be a predetermined exercise, sidelining the tradition of mutual consultation and consensus essential for such appointments. This undermines the principles of fairness and impartiality critical to the credibility of the Selection Committee.”
The Congress leaders emphasized the NHRC’s pivotal role in protecting human rights, particularly for marginalized communities. They argued that the credibility of the Commission relies on the inclusiveness and diversity of its leadership, which, they claim, was not adequately considered.
To ensure merit and inclusivity, the Congress had recommended former Supreme Court judges Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman and Justice K.M. Joseph for the chairperson’s role. They highlighted Justice Nariman’s contributions as a jurist from the minority Parsi community, praising his commitment to constitutional values. Similarly, Justice Joseph, from the minority Christian community, was recognized for his judgments supporting individual freedoms and marginalized groups.
For the positions of NHRC members, the Congress suggested Justice S. Muralidhar, former Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court, and Justice Akil Abdulhamid Qureshi, former Chief Justice of the Rajasthan and Tripura High Courts. Justice Muralidhar was lauded for his work on custodial violence and civil liberties, while Justice Qureshi, from the Muslim minority community, was commended for upholding constitutional principles and accountability in governance.
The dissent note criticized the selection process for ignoring regional, caste, community, and religious diversity, which the Congress argued is crucial for the NHRC’s effectiveness and public trust. “By neglecting these factors, the Selection Committee risks eroding confidence in this institution,” the note added.
Justice Ramasubramanian’s appointment as NHRC chairperson is accompanied by Priyank Kanoongo, former chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, and Dr. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, former Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, as members.
Despite these appointments, the Congress leaders maintained that their proposed names reflected India’s constitutional ethos and commitment to diversity. They called the exclusion of their nominees a “regrettable” move that could impact the NHRC’s impartiality and credibility.
Edited by Qamrul Salehin
