Vijayabharathi Sayani, a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has been appointed as the Acting Chairperson of the Commission.
Sayani took the charge after the term of former Supreme Court judge Justice Arun Mishra ended on June 1.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs notified the appointment on June 3.
The notification said the President, under Section 7(1) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, was pleased to authorise Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, Member, National Human Rights Commission, to act as the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, with effect from June 2, 2024, until the appointment of a new Chairperson in the NHRC to fill such vacancy.
Sayani was appointed as an NHRC member in December 2023 and had earlier practiced as an advocate before the Telangana High Court.
She served in various capacities for numerous professional and social organizations, including the Anjani Matha Seva Trust, the Samvardhinee Nyas and Pragna Bharati, all of which focus on women’s holistic and multi-dimensional empowerment.
She has conducted over 100 workshops for female students at various colleges to raise awareness about multiple issues and rights. She has received several awards from different organizations for her contribution to the welfare of women.