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New DelhiOct 15(PMI) The Delhi High Court has sought an explanation from the central government on why the posts of Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and all members of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) have remained vacant for several months.
The court observed that no commission can be left headless, calling the matter extremely serious. A bench comprising Chief Justice Devinder Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela heard the case, which was filed as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by social activist Mujahid Nafees.
The PIL urged the court to direct the central government to promptly appoint the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and members of the NCM.
Mujahid Nafees stated in his petition that due to government negligence, the commission has become completely non-functional, directly affecting the protection of minority rights. The NCM is a statutory body established under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.
According to the petition, all seven positions—Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and five members—have been vacant since April 12, following the end of former Chairperson S. Iqbal Singh Lalpura’s term. The petition also noted that the Minister of Minority Affairs admitted in the Rajya Sabha that there are currently no members in the commission.
The petition further argued that the lack of appointments is not only alarming but also violates earlier court directives instructing the government to make timely appointments. The court has now sought a response from the Center on the issue. (pressmediaofindia.com)
