When the office of President of the National Commission is vacant or a person occupying such office is, by reason of absence or otherwise, unable to perform the duties of his office, these shall be performed by the senior-most member of the National Commission:
Provided that where a retired Judge of a High Court or a person who has been a Judicial Member is a member of the National Commission, such member or where the number of such members is more than one, the senior-most person amongst such members, shall preside over the National Commission in the absence of President of that Commission.
Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 63
Section 63 provides for institutional continuity in the event of a vacancy or temporary absence in the office of the President of the National Commission by designating the senior-most member to discharge presidential functions.
When administrative circulars, special bench formations, or urgent listings are issued during a presidential vacancy, confirm that they are issued under the authority of the senior-most member designated under Section 63 to establish jurisdictional validity.