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Politics
Supreme Court asks Centre, states to explain SHRC vacancies and functioning
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 05 Oct 2026, 08:36 PM
👁 10
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Union government and all state governments seeking their response on the pending vacancies and operational issues of State Human Rights Commissions.
The apex court has formally asked the Union government and every state government to submit their explanations regarding the current vacancies and the overall functioning of State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs). In its notice, the Supreme Court highlighted that several SHRCs across the country are operating with unfilled statutory positions, which could hamper their ability to protect human rights effectively.
The court seeks detailed information on the number of vacant posts, the reasons for the delays in appointments, and the steps taken by each government to ensure the commissions function in accordance with the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It also wants to know whether the commissions are able to discharge their duties, such as investigating complaints and conducting inquiries, despite the staffing shortfalls.
Legal experts note that the Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the importance of fully staffed SHRCs as independent watchdogs. Any failure to address the vacancies could invite further judicial scrutiny and possibly lead to directives compelling timely appointments.
The matter is likely to be listed for a hearing in the coming weeks, where the governments will be required to present their written responses and, if necessary, appear before the bench to discuss remedial measures.
The court seeks detailed information on the number of vacant posts, the reasons for the delays in appointments, and the steps taken by each government to ensure the commissions function in accordance with the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It also wants to know whether the commissions are able to discharge their duties, such as investigating complaints and conducting inquiries, despite the staffing shortfalls.
Legal experts note that the Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the importance of fully staffed SHRCs as independent watchdogs. Any failure to address the vacancies could invite further judicial scrutiny and possibly lead to directives compelling timely appointments.
The matter is likely to be listed for a hearing in the coming weeks, where the governments will be required to present their written responses and, if necessary, appear before the bench to discuss remedial measures.