Leadership Changes at NHRC: Search for a New Chairperson

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a committee meeting to select the next chairperson for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), with prominent opposition leaders attending. The seat has been vacant since June, following Justice Arun Kumar Mishra's departure. An acting chairperson, Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, currently helms the panel.

The search for a new chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reached a pivotal stage as a committee, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened on Wednesday. Members of the opposition, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, also participated in the meeting, representing their respective facets of parliamentary leadership.

Justice (retd) Arun Kumar Mishra vacated the NHRC chairperson post on June 1, marking the end of his term that began in June 2021. To fill this vacancy, the committee, established by statutory mandate, is tasked with recommending a new leader from among former Supreme Court judges or chief justices of India to the President for appointment.

Vijaya Bharathi Sayani has temporarily assumed duties as the acting chairperson. Past NHRC heads have included eminent former chief justices like H L Dattu and K G Balakrishnan, underscoring the importance of this leadership role within India's human rights framework.

(With inputs from agencies.)