Commission on Human Rights Niranjan Adhikari Confirmation Resolution of 2026

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Phil Mendelson

Confirms Niranjan Adhikari to the DC Commission on Human Rights to fill the remainder of the term through 2027, adding expertise on civil rights and immigrant rights.

Referred to Committee on Public Works and Operations

Summary of Bill: Commission on Human Rights Niranjan Adhikari Confirmation Resolution of 2026 (PR 26-0717)

What the bill does

The bill is a resolution to confirm Niranjan (Nir) Adhikari as a member of the District of Columbia Commission on Human Rights (HRC).

It authorizes filling a vacant seat previously held by Eleanor Collinson for the remainder of the unexpired term ending December 31, 2027.

Purpose and intent

To formally nominate and confirm a qualified individual to serve on the HRC, ensuring the Commission has a full complement of members to carry out its duties under the Human Rights Act.

Reflects adherence to the DC Confirmation Act of 1978 and the Human Rights Act of 1977.

Key provisions and changes

Sec. 2: Confirms Niranjan Adhikari as a member of the Commission on Human Rights.

Term: Remainder of the unexpired term ending December 31, 2027.
Seat: Fills the vacancy formerly held by Eleanor Collinson.
Location: Ward 2 resident; address listed as Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20005.

Sec. 3: Requires the Council to transmit a copy of the resolution to the nominee and the Mayor upon adoption.

Sec. 4: States that the resolution takes effect immediately.

The bill includes standard nominating materials: biographical information for the nominee, and a proposed resolution to assist the confirmation process.

Who/what would be affected

Niranjan Adhikari: Would become a confirmed member of the DC Commission on Human Rights.

Commission on Human Rights: Would gain a confirmed member to serve the remainder of the term; potentially affecting the Commission’s quorum and ability to deliberate and issue findings, decisions, and guidance on human rights matters in DC.

Eleanor Collinson: Vacant seat to be filled by Adhikari for the 2027 end date.

The Mayor and the Council: Involved in the confirmation process; the Council would receive the formal certification if the resolution passes.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Nomination: Made by the Mayor (Muriel Bowser) on May 19, 2026, under the Confirmation Act and the Human Rights Act.

Introduction and sponsor: PR 26-0717 introduced by Chairman Phil Mendelson; co-sponsored by Mendelson.

Referral: On June 2, 2026, referred to the Committee on Public Works and Operations.

Effective date: Immediate upon adoption of the resolution.

Process notes: The Mayor’s legal sufficiency review found the resolution legally unobjectionable.

Additional context about the nominee (highlights)

Education: LL.M. from UC Berkeley School of Law (May 2010); LL.B. from Tribhuvan University (Nepal).

Professional background: Managing Attorney at Adhikari Law PLLC, focusing on immigration, nationality, and related international law; extensive international training and work experience; active in pro bono and community service.

Leadership and community involvement: Notable roles with immigrant and minority communities, professional associations (e.g., AILA, SABA-DC, DC Bar), and pro bono activities.

Practical impact

If confirmed, Adhikari would participate in HRC decisions related to DC civil rights enforcement, interpretation of the Human Rights Act, and guidance on equal opportunity and anti-discrimination issues within the District.

Strengthens the HRC with additional expertise in international law, immigrant rights, and human rights policy, which may inform enforcement and outreach efforts.

Note: The summary reflects the bill’s text and associated official materials as of its introduction and committee referral.