According to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Act, 1993, who amongst the following can be its chairman?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → A retired Chief Justice of India or a retired judge of the Supreme Court
The National Human Rights Commission was set up under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. Under the Act, as amended in 2019, its chairperson must be a person who has been the Chief Justice of India or a judge of the Supreme Court. Before the 2019 amendment only a former Chief Justice of India could hold the post. The chairperson is appointed by the President on the recommendation of a committee headed by the Prime Minister.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) Any serving judge of the Supreme Court — Incorrect. The post goes to a judge who has retired, not to one still serving on the court.
Option (2) Any serving judge of the High Court — Incorrect. A High Court judge is not eligible to head the national Commission, and a serving judge cannot hold the post.
Option (4) Only a retired Chief Justice of High Court — Incorrect. A former High Court Chief Justice can head a State Human Rights Commission, not the national one.