Justice M. Satyanarayana Murthy, a retired judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, has taken charge as the new APSHRC Chairman. The Andhra Pradesh State Human Rights Commission is a statutory watchdog, and questions on it appear often in Polity and Andhra Pradesh papers. This article explains who the APSHRC Chairman is, how the appointment works and what to remember for exams.
Why in News?
Justice Mallavolu Satyanarayana Murthy, a former Andhra Pradesh High Court judge, officially assumed charge as Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh State Human Rights Commission (APSHRC).
The post had been vacant since the previous Chairman’s term ended in March 2024. Exams usually test the composition, term and appointment rules rather than the name alone.
APSHRC Chairman: Key Facts for Prelims
- The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) is a statutory body, not a constitutional body.
- It is set up by a State Government under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
- It protects and promotes human rights and examines complaints of violations.
- Composition: one Chairperson and two Members.
- Term: three years or until the age of 70, whichever is earlier.
- The Governor appoints the Chairperson and Members.
- Appointments follow the recommendation of a selection committee headed by the Chief Minister.
Selection Committee for a State Commission
- Chief Minister (head)
- Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
- State Home Minister
- Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly
- In States with a Legislative Council: its Chairman and the Leader of the Opposition in the Council
Related Static Points
- The Chairperson must be a person who has been a Chief Justice or a Judge of a High Court.
- Only the President can remove the Chairperson or a Member, for proved misbehaviour or incapacity, after a Supreme Court inquiry.
- Resignation is submitted to the Governor.
- The commission cannot inquire into a matter more than one year after the incident.
Quick Revision Table: APSHRC Chairman
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nature | Statutory body under the 1993 Act |
| Composition | One Chairperson and two Members |
| Term | Three years or age 70, whichever is earlier |
| Appointing authority | Governor |
| Committee head | Chief Minister |
| Removal | President, after a Supreme Court inquiry |
| Recommendations | Advisory, not binding |
Trap / Confusing Points: APSHRC Chairman
| Confusion | Correct Position |
|---|---|
| Is the SHRC constitutional? | No, it is statutory |
| Who appoints the Chairperson? | The Governor, on the committee’s recommendation |
| Who removes the Chairperson? | The President, not the Governor |
| Who heads the selection committee? | The Chief Minister, not the Speaker |
| Is the term five years? | No, it is three years or age 70 after the 2019 amendment |
5 Practice MCQs on APSHRC Chairman
1. The State Human Rights Commission is a:
a. Constitutional body
b. Statutory body
c. Executive body created by order
d. Judicial tribunal
Ans: b
Explanation: It is created under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
2. The selection committee for a State Commission is headed by the:
a. Governor
b. Speaker
c. Chief Minister
d. Home Minister
Ans: c
Explanation: The Chief Minister heads the committee; the Governor appoints on its recommendation.
3. The term of a State Commission Chairperson is:
a. Five years or age 65
b. Three years or age 70
c. Three years or age 65
d. Five years or age 70
Ans: b
Explanation: Whichever is earlier applies.
4. Which is NOT part of the selection committee in a State without a Legislative Council?
a. Chief Minister
b. Speaker
c. Home Minister
d. Chief Justice of the High Court
Ans: d
Explanation: The committee has the CM, Speaker, Home Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.
5. The APSHRC Chairman can be removed on proved misbehaviour by the:
a. Governor
b. Chief Minister
c. President
d. State Assembly
Ans: c
Explanation: Removal is by the President after a Supreme Court inquiry.
Exam tip: For any question on the APSHRC Chairman or other SHRCs, remember the pattern: Governor appoints, President removes, Chief Minister heads the committee.
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