Process of appointment of NHRC Chairman, members was flawed and pre-determined: Rahul, Kharge in dissent note

New Delhi: Leaders of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge respectively have contended that the method adopted for the appointment of National Human Rights Commision Chairman and members "was fundamentally flawed" and "was a pre-determined exercise" that ignored "the tradition of mutual consultation and consensus".
This was stated by the duo, who were part of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-headed search committee, in their joint note of dissent after the panel named for SC Justice V Ramasubramanian as the new Chairperson of the NHRC, sources said. They dissent note also said Gandhi and Lharge had proposed the names of justice Robinson Falli Nariman and Justice Kuttiyil Mathew Joseph for the post "keeping in mind both merit and need for inclusivity".

For the NHRC members, they had recommended names of Justice S Muralidhar, Justice Akil Abdul Hameed Quresh.


" Why merit is undeniably the primary criterion, maintaining a balance that reflects the regional, caste, community and religious diversity of the nation is equally important full stop this balance ensures that the NH RC operates with an inclusive perspective, sensitive to the lived experiences of all sections of society. By neglecting this critical principle, the committee risks eroding public trust in this esteemed institution", the two leaders said in their dissent note dated December 18.

They further said; " The dismissive approach adopted by the majority of the selection Committee in today's (December 18) meeting towards these considerations is deeply regrettable. The NHRX's credibility and effectiveness depend on its ability to embody the diversity and inclusiveness that define India's constitutional ethos. The names we propose reflect this spirit and align with the foundational principles of the commission . Their exclusion raises significant concerns about the impartiality and fairness of the selection process".