National Human Right Commission The Chairperson and the Members of the NHRC are appointed by the President of India, on the recommendations of a high-level Committee comprising the Prime Minister (as Chairperson), the Speaker of the Lok Sabha (House of the People), the Minister in-charge of the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Government of India, the Leaders of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha (Council of States), and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Selection Committee for Appointment of Chairperson and Members of NHRC Chapter - 3 3.6 CHAIRPERSON The Prime Minister MEMBER Speaker of the House of the People 3.7 Minister In-charge of the Ministry of Home Affairs in the GoI Leader of the Opposition in the House of the People Leader of the Opposition in the Council of States National Commission for Women The statutory requirements relating to the qualifications of the Chairperson and Members of the Commission, as well as their selection by a high-level and politically-balanced Committee ensures a high degree of independence and credibility to the functioning of the NHRC. 3.8 The Chief Executive Officer of the Commission is the Secretary-General, an officer of the rank of Secretary to the Government of India. The Secretariat of the Commission works under the overall guidance of the Secretary-General. Powers Relating to Inquiries 3.9 The NHRC has been given all the powers of a civil court trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, in particular in respect of summoning and enforcing the attendance of witnesses and examining them on oath; receiving Annual Report - 2015-2016 29