Published Dec 24, 2024 | 10:53 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 24, 2024 | 10:53 AM
File photo of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. (X)
Following the appointment of retired Supreme Court Justice V Ramasubramanian as the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Congress expressed its dissent to the decision.
In a letter to the Union government on Monday, 23 December, Congress President and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, and LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said the selection process was flawed.
The Congress leaders specifically raised four reasons for the dissent.
They said the selection process adopted by the committee 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. Instead of fostering deliberation and ensuring a collective decision, the Committee relied on its numerical majority to finalise the names, disregarding the legitimate concerns and perspectives raised during the meeting,” they said in the letter.
They said that since NHRC’s objective is safeguarding the fundamental human rights of all citizens, 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,” the letter read.
To this end, they proposed the names of Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman and Justice Kuttiyil Mathew Joseph for the position of Chairperson.
They noted that Justice Nariman, a celebrated jurist from the Parsi community, was lauded for his intellectual acumen and commitment to constitutional values, while Justice Joseph, a former Supreme Court judge from the Christian community, for his record of safeguarding individual freedoms and protecting marginalised groups.
For the member positions, they recommended Justice S Muralidhar and Justice Akil Abdulhamid Qureshi.
They said Justice Muralidhar is recognised for landmark judgments advancing social justice, including cases on custodial violence and civil liberties.
Justice Qureshi, from the Muslim minority community, has been commended for upholding constitutional principles and ensuring governmental accountability, the added.
“Their inclusion would contribute to the NHRC’s effectiveness and its commitment to diversity,” the letter said. The Congress leaders also said the dismissive approach adopted by the majority of the selection committee was deeply regrettable.
“The NHRC’s credibility and effectiveness depend on its ability to embody the diversity and inclusiveness that define India’s constitutional ethos. The names we proposed 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,” the Congres leaders added.
