Who among the following was appointed as the new Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in December 2024?​

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) V Ramasubramanian

• Justice V Ramasubramanian, a former Supreme Court judge, was appointed as the new Chairperson of the NHRC in December 2024.

• His appointment marks the continuation of leadership from experienced legal minds at the helm of India’s human rights protection body.

• Justice Ramasubramanian was selected after the tenure of Justice Arun Kumar Mishra, and his appointment is significant as he takes over the responsibility of overseeing human rights issues in India.

• He assumed office as the Chairperson of NHRC on December 30, 2024, succeeding Justice Arun Kumar Mishra.

Information Booster:

• National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):

• The NHRC was established in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act. It is the statutory body responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights in India.

• The NHRC operates to safeguard the rights of citizens, particularly those belonging to vulnerable sections such as women, children, scheduled castes/tribes, and minorities.

• The NHRC is tasked with investigating complaints of human rights violations, recommending actions, and promoting awareness of human rights through education and advocacy.

• Role of the Chairperson:

• The Chairperson of the NHRC plays a crucial role in overseeing investigations and ensuring that the Commission’s recommendations are implemented.

• The Chairperson is typically a former Chief Justice of India or a retired Supreme Court judge, as was the case with Justice V Ramasubramanian.

• The Chairperson’s role is to ensure the effective functioning of the Commission, safeguard human rights across India, and uphold the constitutional principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

• Recent Appointments and Developments:

• Justice HL Dattu served as the Chairperson of the NHRC from 2016 to 2020, before being succeeded by Justice Arun Mishra in 2021.

• Justice Mishra’s tenure was marked by the strengthening of the Commission and the expansion of its outreach activities across the country.

• After Justice Mishra's tenure, Justice V Ramasubramanian was appointed due to his extensive judicial experience, including his service as the Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court and his tenure at the Supreme Court.

• Justice V Ramasubramanian's Background:

• Justice Ramasubramanian had a distinguished judicial career, serving in various high courts, including the Madras High Court and the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh High Courts.

• He was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019 and retired in 2023.