[4] On 17 February 2003, he took over as the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission and was succeeded by Justice Rajendra Babu on 2 April 2007.

In February 2010, he was appointed chairman of a five-member committee set up to examine the safety aspects of the Mullaperiyar Dam in Kerala.

Awarded Honorary Fellowship for Life by the Society for Advanced Legal Studies, London, in October 2000.

Recipient of 'Shiromani Award – 2002' for Outstanding Achievements in the Field of Judiciary and Commitment to National Progress and Human Welfare on 30 August 2003.

(Honoris Causa) by Banaras Hindu University on 29 November 2003, for Achievements and Contribution to the Development of Law and Protection of Human Rights.

Recipient of Plaque of Honour from the University of Lucknow for outstanding contribution to the Country and Society on 25 November 2004.

Padma Vibhushan – 2008 At least three landmark judgments given by Anand as the Judge of the Supreme Court have revealed his commitment to human rights and justice.