Fill up vacant posts at MHRC, HC tells Govt
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 10 2014:
The High Court of Manipur has directed the State Government to search suitable/eligible persons to fill up the vacant posts of Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) Chairman and Members during the vacation period, i.e up to the second week of July.
The High Court issued this directive after hearing a PIL filed by Dr Th Suresh Singh, ex-Director, Health Services.
A double bench of Acting Chief Justice Laxmikanta Mohapatra and Justice N Koteshore heard the PIL regarding activation of MHRC yesterday.
The Government counsel informed the High Court that a retired High Court Judge is not available for the Chairman of the said Commission and hence the same cannot be filled up.
With regard to other Members of the Commission, a district Judge having seven years experience is required as per the rules and regulations.
As such persons are not available in Manipur, it also cannot be filled in.
The Government counsel further informed the Court that the State Government already requested the Central Government for relaxation of these qualifications but the request was turned down.
The petitioner's counsel Dr RK Deepak countered by telling the Court that persons of imminence and integrity can also be appointed as Members of the said 3-Member Commission.
Hence, non-functioning of Manipur Human Rights Commission since May 2010 looks like a deliberate attempt from the Government side.
After hearing both the parties, the Court directed the Government to take necessary action by searching suitable persons by the vacation period, i.e up to the second week of next month and report the progress made thereupon to the Court in the next hearing.