Supreme Court issues notice over vacancies in National Human Rights Commission

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice on a petition regarding three vacancies in the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

The Bench of Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice P.S. Narasimha passed the order on a petition filed by Radhakanta Tripathy.

The petitioner-in-person contended that there were three vacancies in the Commission.

These included:

1. Judicial Member, who has to be a Judge or a former Judge of the Supreme Court;
2. Judicial Member, who is or was a Chief Justice of the High Court; and
3. A woman member.

The petition further said the existing seats had fallen vacant on September 11, 2021; January 4, 2023 and April 4, 2022, respectively.

The Apex Court sought response on the notice in three weeks. The Bench further provided liberty to serve the Central agency.

(Case title: Radhakanta Tripathy vs Union of India)