Khushi
The Central Government last week was directed by the Delhi High Court to nominate members against all the vacant positions at the National Commission for Minorities by July 31 (Abhay Ratan Bauddh vs UOI).
The direction was given by the Bench of Justice Prathiba M. Singh on a petition filed by Abhay Ratan Bauddh to fill up the vacant posts of chairperson and five other members of the National Commission for Minorities which includes the members from the Buddhist, Christian, Parsi, Sikh, and Jain communities.
“This shall ensure that the Commission functions efficiently and the purpose of the Commission as envisaged under the Act is also fully given effect to,” remarked the Court.
The Court had noted that six positions are vacant out of seven positions in the present composition of the Commission including the post of Chairperson.
At the commission there is only Vice- Chairman from the Muslim community who is functioning in effect.
The Court expressed its displeasure on the affidavit filed by the Centre which had stated that under Sub-Clause 4 of Section of the National Commission for Minorities Act, no specific time period has been provided to fill the post of chairman and or members of the commission.
The Ministry of Affairs sought three months time with the view of the Code and the current pandemic situation to complete the nomination process and fill the vacancies in the Commission.
“Utmost care and caution has to be taken while nominating the said members to the Commission so as to protect the interests of the minority communities as provided in the Constitution,” the ministry added.
The Court directing to do the needful by July 31 has listed the matter for receiving a report of compliance on 12th August, 2021.