Justice V. Ramasubramanian: Newly Appointed Chairperson of NHRC

V Ramasubramanian, the former Supreme Court judge, has been appointed as the new chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). His appointment comes following the completion of the term by Justice (retd) Arun Kumar Mishra on June 1, which left the chairperson position vacant.

The Legacy of NHRC Leadership

The eighth chairperson, Arun Kumar Mishra, had been a notable figure since his appointment in June 2021. He was a former Supreme Court judge and the first non-Chief Justice of India (CJI) to be appointed to the NHRC chief post, post the 2019 amendment to the Protection of Human Rights Act. His succession follows the leadership of former CJI H. L. Dattu.

Selection Process

The selection of Justice Ramasubramanian was decided during a high-powered committee meeting led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 18, as reported by PTI. The appointment of NHRC chairperson is typically reserved for a former Chief Justice of India or a retired Supreme Court judge. The commission received the formal communication of this appointment shortly after the meeting.

Background of Justice V. Ramasubramanian

Justice (retd) Ramasubramanian has longstanding ties with the Indian judiciary, having served as a judge of the Supreme Court. His predecessors in this esteemed position have included former CJIs like H L Dattu and K G Balakrishnan, underscoring the significance of his appointment.

Additional Appointments

Alongside Justice Ramasubramanian, the NHRC also appointed esteemed members Shri Priyank Kanoongo and Dr. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi (Retd.). Priyank Kanoongo, known for his previous role as chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), expressed his commitment to the NHRC’s responsibilities and aims to uphold these duties diligently.

For further insights, follow updates from the National Human Rights Commission, India on its official platforms.