Chapter - 2 HIGHLIGHTS : 2009-2010 2.1 In the light of the extraordinary range of functions assigned to the NHRC and the scope of powers conferred on it, the Commission is playing a role complementary to that of the superior courts in the country in the defence of human rights and constitutional guarantees, a role that has o�en been described as symbiotic. It is interesting to see that the “core” issues identified by the NHRC in the beginning have persisted over the years. At the same time, however, it is appealing to note how at different stages over the years and in the face of challenges that arose, the Commission’s understanding of those issues has widened and deepened and how in the process other important concerns have been added to it’s “core” agenda. This is primarily because human rights are indivisible, inter-related and inter-dependent, and precisely for that reason, the defence of human dignity must also be all-encompassing and all-inclusive. 2.2 The ensuing paragraphs highlight some of the major events and activities of the NHRC during the period April 2009 to March 2010. Acting Chairperson 2.3 On completion of the tenure of Justice Shri S. Rajendra Babu as the Chairperson of the NHRC on 31 May 2009, Justice Shri G.P. Mathur, Member, NHRC was authorized to function as the Acting Chairperson of the Commission with effect from 1 June 2009, till the time the President of India appointed a new Chairperson. Meetings in NHRC 2.4 During the year under review, the Full Commission deliberated upon and decided various cases of human rights violations in 79 si�ings. In addition, the two Division Benches considered 594 cases in 63 si�ings. Twenty other cases were considered in three si�ings during court hearings. The other programme and administrative agenda items were dealt in 17 meetings. The Statutory Full Commission, which includes deemed Members, also met thrice. CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS Disposal of Human Rights Violation Cases 2.5 During the year under review, 82,021 cases were registered and 85,587 cases were disposed off by the Commission. The la�er figure includes cases of previous years as well. The NHRC 3