New Delhi, Sep 9 - The Delhi High Court Wednesday asked the central government what steps it had taken for the appointment of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) chairman, a post vacant since May 31.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ajit Prakash Shah and Justice Manmohan said: 'We need some statement from government. It is a serious issue.'

The government counsel replied: 'Government is under the process of amending the law.' According to the rules, the commission is to be headed by a retired chief justice of India.

The court was hearing a public interest petition filed by NGO Centre for Public Interest Litigation claimed that there are two retired chief justices of India eligible for the post, but the government is reluctant to appoint them.