Govt asked to make MHRC appointments
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 31 2018: Former Health Director Dr Th Suresh has stated that the High Court of Manipur has directed the State Government to submit necessary reports regarding steps for appointment of Chairperson and Second Member of Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC), by September 10 .

Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club today, Dr Suresh informed that Manipur Human Rights Commission was lying defunct since many years due to lack of a Chairperson and Members and as such he filed a PIL on January 2, 2014 .

Pointing out that more than 34 hearings have been conducted so far, Suresh said that on January 4 this year, the High Court ordered the authorities concerned to take up necessary steps to revive MHRC by April 4 .

However, as no positive developments were seen even after the deadline, a contempt case (No 66/201) was filed, he added.

Dr Suresh continued that on August 7, the High Court ordered the authorities to submit a concrete and final report by August 30 .

Following the order, Senior Advocate Khaidem Mani was appointed as the acting Chairperson (and 3rd Member) of MHRC on August 28 via two different orders, Suresh explained and added that earlier on February 1, six supportive staff were already selected.

Pointing out that the latest hearing of the case was conducted yesterday, Suresh added that during the hearing he explained to the Court that only one Member had been selected and as such a Chairperson and second member were still missing.

As such, the Court directed the AG to submit necessary reports on the steps taken up by the Government for the appointment of Chairperson and 2nd Member, by September 10.Pointing out that the Chairperson of MHRC should be a retired Judge of the High Court and the 2nd Member can be a retired High Court Judge or someone with 7 years’ experience as Session Judge, he continued that during the hearing, the AG submitted that scrutiny was underway to pick but the eligible individuals for the vacant posts at the earliest.

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