Press release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi: 23rd January 2026

NHRC, India holds a meeting of its Special Rapporteurs and Special Monitors

Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian commends them as not only the 'eyes and ears' but also the 'heart and soul' of the NHRC

Stresses the role of Special Rapporteurs and Special Monitors as foot soldiers of the Commission

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India organised a meeting of its Special Rapporteurs and Special Monitors in New Delhi. Chairing the meeting, NHRC Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian commended their dedication to serving societal interests over self-interest and emphasised the importance of their roles in reaching out to society and ensuring that the benefits of development reach the common citizen.

The Chairperson said that appointments followed strict standards and a transparent shortlisting process based on credentials, field expertise and alignment with areas of interest. He said this approach ensured that domain experts were matched to relevant thematic areas, strengthening the quality of monitoring, reporting and advisory functions. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to integrity, transparency and public service in its institutional processes. The Chairperson urged them to work as the Commission’s foot soldiers and focus on small incremental improvements, noting that even aiding a single household fulfill the purpose of their appointments.

NHRC, India Member, Smt Vijaya Bharathi Sayani said that the appointment as Special Rapporteurs and Special Monitors of the NHRC carries not only authority but also a profound ethical responsibility. She said that, based on field-level observations, several persistent concerns continue to demand attention. These include overcrowding, medical negligence, lack of gender and child sensitivity, delayed grievance redressal and a lack of follow-up mechanisms, among others. Therefore, reports must go beyond documentation and evolve into instruments of accountability. She said that effective monitoring should lead to corrective action, institutional reform and measurable improvement in conditions of vulnerable populations.

Earlier in his opening remarks, NHRC, India Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal spoke about the concept of Special Rapporteurs and Special Monitors and their role in protection and promotion of human rights especially most vulnerable people. He requested the newly appointed Special Rapporteurs and Special Monitors to plan collaborative work for the next six months, focusing on key human rights issues and related field visits. Outlining the role of Special Rapporteurs and Special Monitors, he stressed on the role of NHRC as well as theirs is that of 'conscience keepers' by identifying wrongdoing or inaction. He said that their visit inputs will help the NHRC issue advisories and make policy recommendations to the government. He also highlighted the importance of advisories, suo motu cognizance and data-driven interventions, including the NHRC advisory on beggary and reviews of the Transgender Act and Mental Health Act, in driving policy reform and public awareness. He requested the Special Rapporteurs and Special Monitors to popularise its different outreach activities and different modes of approaching the Commission including the recently launched Mobile App.

NHRC, India Joint Secretary, Shri Samir Kumar gave a detailed presentation on the human rights framework, organisational structure, complaint management system, advisories, core groups, guidelines and functioning of the Special Rapporteurs and Special Monitors, among others.

During the meeting each Special Rapporteur and Special Monitor gave their input about upholding human rights and dignity for all. They shared their experiences, areas of concern where everyone needs to join hands and work together.

The meeting was attended by 30 Special Rapporteurs and Special Monitors, which included eminent persons from diverse areas of expertise, including former civil servants, former law enforcement officers, representatives of civil society, academia, diverse gender identities and the differently-abled community, among others. The list of Special Rapporteurs and Special Monitors engaged for a three-year period is enclosed.

The meeting was also attended by Smt Anupama Nilekar Chandra, Director General (Investigation), Shri Joginder Singh, Registrar (Law); Smt Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak, Joint Secretary; Presenting Officers, Shri Gaurav Garg, DIG; Lt Col Virender Singh, Director; Shri Sanjay Kumar, Deputy Secretary; Deputy Registrars and others.

The list of newly appointed Special Rapporteurs for a period of three years, with effect from 23rd December 2025, is provided below. For further details, please visit the link: https://nhrc.nic.in/about-us/special-rapporteur

1. Shri Akhil Kumar Shukla

2. Ms. Shomita Biswas

3. Shri Upendra Baghel

4. Shri Mohammad Jamshed

5. Shri Nityanand Srivastava

6. Ms. Sadhna Rout

7. Shri Subhash Chandra

8. Shri Santosh Kumar Satapathy

9. Shri Praveen Sinha

10. Ms. Suchitra Sinha

11. Shri K. Padma Kumar

12. Shri Devendra Kumar Nim

13. Shri Ashit Mohan Prasad

14. Dr. Keshav Kumar

15. Shri Syed Ahmed Baba

The list of newly appointed Special Monitors for a period of three years, with effect from 2nd January 2026, is provided below. For further details, please visit the link: https://nhrc.nic.in/about-us/special-monitor

1. Prof. Kanhaiya Tripathi

2. Shri Ajay Bhatnagar

3. Shri Dhananjay Tingal

4. Shri R. Hemanth Kumar

5. Shri D. S. Dhopala

6. Dr. Purva Mittal

7. Shri Balkrishan Goel

8. Gopi Shankar Madurai

9. Shri Uma Kant

10. Dr. Sharon Menezes

11. Smt. Arti Ahuja

12. Shri V. B. Kumar

13. Dr. Poonam Malakondaiah

14. Shri Hari Nath Mishra

15. Dr. Pradeepta Kumar Nayak

16. Dr. Muktesh Chander

17. Dr. Vijay Kumar

18. Shri R. K. Srinivasan

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