New Delhi, Dec 23: Former Supreme Court judge Justice V. Ramasubramanian has been appointed as the new chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), marking a significant development for the rights body. The position had remained vacant since June 1, following the completion of Justice (Retd.) Arun Kumar Mishra’s tenure.
Justice Mishra, who served as the eighth chairperson of the NHRC, was appointed in June 2021, becoming the first non-Chief Justice of India (CJI) to hold the post after the 2019 amendment to the Protection of Human Rights Act. Since his departure, NHRC member Vijaya Bharathi Sayani had been serving as the acting chairperson.
The selection of Justice Ramasubramanian was finalized during a high-powered meeting on December 18, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The committee, which recommends appointments for the NHRC leadership, also includes the Union Home Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and other senior officials.
Justice Ramasubramanian, who brings extensive judicial experience to the role, has previously served as a judge of the Supreme Court. His appointment was formally communicated to the NHRC on Monday.
The NHRC also announced the appointments of Shri Priyank Kanoongo and Dr. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi (Retd.) as members of the commission. Kanoongo, former chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), expressed his commitment to fulfilling his new responsibilities at the NHRC.
In a post on X, the NHRC stated:
“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.”
Justice Ramasubramanian joins a distinguished line of former NHRC chairpersons, including ex-CJIs H.L. Dattu and K.G. Balakrishnan, whose leadership has shaped the commission’s role in protecting and promoting human rights in India.
With his appointment, Justice Ramasubramanian is expected to steer the NHRC in addressing pressing human rights issues, leveraging his vast legal expertise to enhance the commission’s impact across the nation.