Question

Who appoints the chairman and members of the National Human Rights Commission?

a. President
b. Vice-President
c. Prime Minister
d. Deputy Prime Minister

Answer 1

Hint:
The National Human Rights Commission has a Chairman and seven other members. There are three ex-officio members, out of the seven members, The Chairman and members of NHRC are appointed by the recommendation of a high-powered committee.

Complete solution:
National Human Rights Commission of India is an independent statutory commission. As per provisions of Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, it was established on 12 October of that year. It was amended in 2006. It is an autonomous body.

The Chairperson and Members of the National Human Rights Commission are appointed by the President of India, on the basis of recommendations of a high-powered committee consisting of:

- The Prime Minister (as the Chairperson)
- The Speaker of Lok Sabha (Lower House)
- The Home Minister
- The Leaders of the opposition in the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and Rajya Sabha (Upper House)
- The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House)

Section 2 Sections 3 and 4 of TPHRA lay down the rules for appointment to this commission. NHRC is composed of a Chairman and seven other members. There are three ex-officio members, out of the seven members.

The chairman and the members of the State Commission are appointed by the Governor. It is done after the consultation with the Chief Minister, Home Minister, Leader of the opposition in the state Legislative assembly and the speaker of Legislative Assembly.


Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Note:
It is to be noted that the Chairman and the members of the NHRC are appointed for 5 years. Also, they can be appointed till the age of 70 years. The Chairman and the members can only be removed if any charges of misbehaviour or incapacity is proved by an inquiry conducted by a Supreme Court Judge.