Congress slams NHRC chairperson selection process, calls it "Fundamentally flawed"

New Delhi: The Congress has expressed its dissent to the appointment of the chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (NHRC) and said that the selection process adopted by the committee was fundamentally flawed.
The meeting of the Selection Committee for the selection of Chairperson and Members of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was held on December 18. The meeting was attended by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge.
The Congress in its dissent note cited many reasons for their disapproval with the committee.
"Firstly, the selection process adopted by the Committee was fundamentally flawed. It was a pre-determined exercise that ignored the established tradition of mutual consultation and consensus, which is essential in such matters. 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 finalize the names, disregarding the legitimate concerns and perspectives raised during the meeting," the Congress said.
It also emphasized that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is a vital statutory body tasked with safeguarding the fundamental human rights of all citizens, particularly those from oppressed and marginalized sections of society.
"We proposed the names of Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman and Justice Kuttiyil Mathew Joseph for the position of Chairperson, keeping in mind both merit and the need for inclusivity. Justice Rohinton Fali 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, Justice Kuttiyil Mathew Joseph, a former Supreme Court judge, belonging to minority Christian community, has consistently delivered judgments that emphasize individual freedoms and the protection of marginalized groups, making him an ideal candidate for this critical position," the party said in its note.
"Furthermore, for the position of Members, we recommended the names of Justice S. Muralidhar and Justice Akil Abdulhamid Qureshi, both of whom have exemplary track records in upholding human rights," it added.
The Congress also mentioned that their recommended person's inclusion would contribute to the NHRC's effectiveness and its commitment to diversity.
"Thirdly, while merit is undeniably the primary criterion, maintaining a balance that reflects the regional, caste, community, and religious diversity of the nation is equally important. This balance ensures that the NHRC 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," it said.
Further, it said that the dismissive approach adopted by the majority of the Selection Committee in the meeting towards these considerations is 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," it added.
Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu on Monday appointed former Supreme Court judge, Justice V Ramasubramanian (Retd) as the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).