List of Chairman of National Human Rights Commission from 1993 to 2023

List of National Human Rights Commission chief and tenure (from 1993 to 2023)

Brief information about National Human Rights Commission:

What is National Human Rights Commission?

The National Human Rights Commission of India is an autonomous statutory body. It was established on 12 October 1993. The NHRC was established under the Protection of Human Rights Act 1993. This commission is a constitutional body responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights given by the constitution in India. It is a multi-member body. The headquarters of the National Human Rights Commission is located in New Delhi

Composition of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):

The National Human Rights Commission consists of a chairman and four members. The chairman must be a retired Chief Justice of India. Among other members:

• One member must be a judge or former judge of the Supreme Court of India.
• One member must be a Chief Justice or former Judge of a High Court.
• Apart from this, two other such members will be appointed, who have knowledge of human rights related matters or have practical experience in this field.

In addition to these members, the Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes and the National Commission for Women serve as ex-officio members.

Appointment process of chairperson and members of NHRC (National Human Rights Commission):

Under the National Protection of Human Rights Act 1993, the President of India appoints the Chairperson and Members of the NHRC on the basis of the recommendation of a High Powered Committee headed by the Prime Minister. The following people are included in the six-member committee –

• Prime Minister (Chairman)
• Home Minister
• Speaker
• Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha
• Vice President of Rajya Sabha
• Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha

Main functions of NHRC as per Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993:

• Inquire suo motu or into a petition filed by any aggrieved person or any person against violation of human rights or negligence in prevention of such violation by any public servant.
• Interference with the trial of any case of violation of human rights before any court with the permission of the court.
• Requisitioning or copying of any public record from any court or office.
• To visit any prison or confined place to study the condition of the prisoners and make recommendations thereon.
• Review the safeguards provided by or under the Constitution or any law for the time being in force for the protection of human rights and recommend measures for their effective implementation.
• To review the factors including terrorist acts preventing the exercise of human rights and recommend suitable remedial measures.
• To conduct and promote research in the field of human rights.
• To study treaties and other international instruments on human rights and make recommendations for their effective implementation.
• To spread human rights literacy among various sections of the society and to promote awareness about the safeguards available for the protection of these rights.
• To encourage the efforts of non-governmental organizations and institutions working in the field of human rights.
• To perform such other functions as may be deemed necessary for the protection of human rights.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairperson 2023:

Justice Arun Kumar Mishra, a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), was appointed acting chairman of the commission with effect from 02 June 2021. His appointment was criticized by opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge, who requested to appoint a member from Scheduled Tribe communities, arguing that most of the complaints lodged with the NHRC pertain to atrocities committed against these communities.

The first chairman of the National Human Rights Commission was Justice Ranganath Mishra. He was working on this post from 12 October 1993 to 24 November 1996.

List of Chairpersons of National Human Rights Commission:

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