Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud dismissed media reports suggesting he was being considered for the position of chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

"This is untrue. Presently, I am enjoying my retired life," said the 50th CJI, who stepped down from office on November 10, speaking to PTI.

The NHRC chairperson’s post has been vacant since Justice (retd) Arun Kumar Mishra, a former Supreme Court judge, completed his tenure on June 1. On December 18, a high-powered committee, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened to select the next NHRC chairperson, according to sources.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi participated in the meeting as opposition representatives for the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, respectively.

Justice (retd) Mishra, who served as the eighth NHRC chairperson, was appointed in June 2021.

Under the NHRC Act, the selection committee for the chairperson includes the prime minister, the Lok Sabha speaker, the home minister, leaders of the opposition in both houses of Parliament, and the deputy chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. The president appoints the NHRC chief based on the committee's recommendation, with eligibility extending to former CJIs or retired Supreme Court judges.

After Justice Mishra’s retirement, NHRC member Vijaya Bharathi Sayani assumed the role of acting chairperson. Former CJIs H L Dattu and K G Balakrishnan have previously led the commission.