📰 Transgender Rights Activist Quits NHRC Panel, Calls Body ‘Hypocritical’ Over Silence on Key Issues

In a sharp indictment of India’s human rights watchdog, a prominent transgender rights activist has resigned from a body under the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), accusing it of failing to uphold its mandate and calling it “hypocritical.”

Announcing the resignation, the activist alleged that the NHRC has remained largely silent on critical issues affecting marginalized communities, particularly transgender persons. “NHRC’s deafening silence seems like a mockery of its own mission statement,” the activist said, expressing deep disappointment over what was described as inaction on pressing human rights concerns.

The resignation has brought renewed attention to the functioning of the NHRC, which is tasked with protecting and promoting human rights across the country. Critics have often questioned the body’s responsiveness and effectiveness, especially in cases involving vulnerable groups.

According to sources, the activist had been associated with an NHRC-affiliated committee or advisory body and had raised concerns internally before deciding to step down. The decision to go public is being seen as an attempt to draw attention to what the activist perceives as systemic shortcomings within the institution.

The move has sparked reactions from civil society groups and rights organisations, many of whom echoed concerns about the need for stronger institutional action on issues such as discrimination, violence, and access to welfare for transgender individuals.

While there has been no detailed official response from the NHRC so far, sources indicate that the commission may issue a statement addressing the allegations.

Legal experts note that while the NHRC plays an important role in highlighting human rights violations, its recommendations are not binding, which sometimes limits its effectiveness.

The resignation has now triggered a broader debate on the accountability and credibility of human rights institutions in India, with calls for reforms to ensure they remain proactive, transparent, and aligned with their core mission of safeguarding rights for all citizen