“Fundamentally Flawed”: Congress On NHRC Chief Selection Process

The Opposition Congress Party issued a dissent note on Tuesday, stating that the NHRC Chief selection process was “fundamentally flawed”. The dissent comes a day after President Droupadi Murmu appointed a former SC judge as (NHRC) chairperson. Justice V Ramasubramanian was appointed as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) chairperson.

The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi recorded his dissent over the selection process. Along with Rahul, the Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge also echoed similar sentiments.

ALSO READ: “Teach Your Children The Ramayana, Or…”: Kumar Vishwas Sparks Controversy

Both leaders alleged that the selection committee meeting took place on Wednesday. They stated that “It was a predetermined exercise that ignored the established tradition of mutual consultation and consensus, which is essential in such matters”.

The opposition claimed that “This departure undermines the principles of fairness and impartiality, which are critical to the credibility of the Selection Committee”. They also noted that “NHRC is a vital statutory body”. It is tasked with safeguarding the fundamental human rights of all citizens. And it particularly safeguards those from oppressed and marginalized sections of society.

ALSO READ: Gandhi Family’s Day Out After Parliament’s Heated Winter Session

In their dissent note they further alleged that “Instead of fostering deliberation and ensuring a collective decision, the Committee relied on its numerical majority to finalize the names. This disregards the legitimate concerns and perspectives raised during the meeting,”.

According to both the opposition leaders, the selection process adopted was “fundamentally flawed”. It was a “predetermined” exercise that ignored mutual consultation and consensus.

ALSO READ: ‘No Evident Sign Of Scuffle Found’: Forensic Report Of RG Kar Rape-Murder Case

Gandhi and Kharge had proposed the names of former Supreme Court judges for the Chairman’s post. They suggested the names of Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman and Justice KM Joseph for the post. The opposition kept in mind both merit and the need for inclusivity.

According to the dissent note, “Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman, a distinguished jurist from the minority Parsi community. He is renowned for his intellectual depth and unwavering commitment to constitutional values”.

ALSO READ: Bangladesh: 8 Idols, 3 Hindu Temples Vandalized, 1 Arrested

As for the NHRC members Kharge and Gandhi recommended the names of Justices (retd) S Muralidhar and Akil Kuresh. According to the Congress leaders, both have exemplary track records in upholding human rights. “…Muralidhar is widely respected for his landmark judgments advancing social justice. It also includes his work on custodial violence and the protection of civil liberties.”

Furthermore, “Justice Akil Abdulhamid Qureshi, belonging to the Muslim minority community, has consistently defended constitutional principles. He demonstrated a strong commitment to accountability in governance. Their inclusion would contribute to the NHRC’s effectiveness and its commitment to diversity,” the dissent note said

ALSO READ: Tragic Christmas Market Attack In Germany: 2 Dead, 68 Injured | Elon Musk Sparks Controversy

According to reports, the NHRC chairperson’s post was vacant since Justice (retd) Arun Kumar Mishra completed his tenure on June 1. Former advocate of the Telangana High Court Vijaya Bharathi Sayani was the acting NHRC chairperson until Monday.

Congress Leader Manickam Tagore supported the dissent. In a post on X, he wrote, “Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi ji and Kharge ji recorded our dissent on the flawed selection process for NHRC Chairperson & Members.”

Leader of Opposition @RahulGandhi ji @kharge ji recorded our dissent on the flawed selection process for NHRC Chairperson & Members. Diversity, inclusivity, and fairness are pillars of our democracy, and this process ignored them. Justice must represent all. #NHRC #HumanRights pic.twitter.com/I4mfrfSAz9

— Manickam Tagore .B🇮🇳மாணிக்கம் தாகூர்.ப (@manickamtagore) December 24, 2024