NHRC Chief, Members’ Selection Flawed: Rahul & Kharge Mention In Dissent Note, Know Who’s Their Choice

New Delhi: Leaders of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi submitted a dissent note over the selection of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) chairperson and members. Both the Congress leaders have claimed that the selection process was ‘fundamentally flawed.’ They also claimed that the selection process ignored the established tradition of mutual consultation and consensus.

“This departure undermines the principles of fairness and impartiality, which are critical to the credibility of the Selection Committee,” the duo mentioned in the note. They added Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led panel relied on its numerical majority to finalise the names. They claimed that the panel disregarded the legitimate concerns and perspectives that were put up during the meeting. The panel allegedly didn’t ensure coming up to a collective decision.

“Its ability to fulfil this mandate depends significantly on the inclusiveness and representativeness of its composition. A diverse leadership ensures that the NHRC remains sensitive to the unique challenges faced by various communities, especially those most vulnerable to human rights violations,” they noted.

Kharge and Gandhi proposed the names of Justices (retd) Rohinton Fali Nariman and Kuttiyil Mathew Joseph for the position of NHRC chief. Nariman had recently warned of an erosion of India’s secular foundation. “…Nariman, a distinguished jurist from the minority Parsi community, is renowned for his intellectual depth and unwavering commitment to constitutional values. His inclusion would send a strong message about the NHRC’s dedication to representing India’s pluralistic society. Similarly…Joseph, a former Supreme Court judge, belonging to [the] minority Christian community, has consistently delivered judgments that emphasise individual freedoms and the protection of marginalised groups, making him an ideal candidate for this critical position,” the leaders mentioned in the note.

Kharge and Gandhi had also recommended the names of Justices (retd) S Muralidhar and Akil Kureshi as NHRC members.