News Brief
'Fundamentally Flawed': Rahul Gandhi And Kharge Criticize NHRC Appointments After Justice Nariman's Nomination Rejected
Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge
In a notable turn of events, the appointments of Justice V Ramasubramanian as Chairperson and Priyank Kanoongo and Dr Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi as members of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have sparked dissent from key opposition leaders.
Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, leaders of the opposition, criticised the selection process, calling it "fundamentally flawed" and a "pre-determined exercise" that disregarded mutual consultation and consensus.
Kharge and Gandhi, in their dissent note, emphasised that the process deviated from established traditions of inclusiveness and impartiality. They argued that the credibility of the NHRC depends on a diverse leadership sensitive to the challenges faced by marginalised and vulnerable communities.
The opposition leaders proposed the names of Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman and Justice Kuttiyil Mathew Joseph for the NHRC Chairperson position. Highlighting their qualifications, they described Justice Nariman as a distinguished jurist from the Parsi minority community, known for his unwavering commitment to constitutional values.
Justice Joseph, a former Supreme Court judge from the Christian minority community, was praised for his landmark judgments on individual freedoms and the protection of marginalised groups.
The dissenting leaders also recommended Justice S Muralidhar and Justice Akil Abdulhamid Qureshi for NHRC membership. Justice Muralidhar, renowned for his rulings on custodial violence and civil liberties, and Justice Qureshi, known for upholding constitutional principles, were presented as candidates who could enhance the inclusivity of the NHRC.
The NHRC Chairperson's position had been vacant since 1 June, following the end of Justice (Retd.) Arun Kumar Mishra's tenure. The Selection Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened on 18 December at Parliament House to finalise the appointments.
The committee, as per NHRC's governing law, includes the Lok Sabha Speaker, Home Minister, Leaders of Opposition in both Houses, and the Deputy Chairperson of Rajya Sabha.
Despite opposition objections, the President of India appointed Justice V Ramasubramanian as Chairperson. Priyank Kanoongo, former Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), and Dr Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi were appointed as members.
The NHRC, in a statement, said, "Hon'ble President of India appoints Shri Justice V Ramasubramanian (Retd) as the Chairperson, and Shri Priyank Kanoongo and Dr Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi (Retd) as the Members of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India."
Kharge and Gandhi expressed regret over the committee’s dismissive stance towards their recommendations, warning that it could undermine public trust in the NHRC. “The dismissive approach adopted by the majority of the Selection Committee in today’s meeting towards these considerations is deeply regrettable,” their dissent note added.
