Appeal to appoint Chairperson of MHRC
- 30th August, 2024 : Youth's Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) -

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Appeal to appoint an Acting Chairperson in the occurrence of the vacancy of the office of the Chairperson of MHRC as per Section 25 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993

Sir/ Madam,

Youth’s Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) learned that the Office of the Chairperson of the Manipur Human Rights Commission has been vacant after the retirement of its Chairperson since the 24th of August, 2024.

It is further learned that as per the Section 25 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 it is mandatory to appoint an Acting Chairperson in the occurrence of the vacancy of the office of the Chairperson of the States Commission. The Section 25 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 reads as:

“25. Member to act as Chairperson or to discharge his functions in certain circumstances.-

(1) In the event of the occurrence of any vacancy in the office of the Chairperson by reason of his death, resignation or otherwise, the Governor may, by notification, authorize one of the Members to act as the Chairperson until the appointment of new Chairperson to fill such vacancy.

(2) When the Chairperson is unable to discharge his functions owing to absence on leave or otherwise, such one of the Members as the Governor may, by notification, authorize in this behalf, shall discharge the functions of the Chairperson until the date on which the Chairperson resumes his duties.”

We also learned that Vijayabharathi Sayani took over the charge after retired Supreme Court judge, Justice Arun Mishra's term as Chairperson ended on June 1. She has been appointed as the Acting Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Sayani took over the charge after former Supreme Court judge, Justice Arun Mishra's term ended on June 1.

The new appointment was notified on June 3rd, 2024 by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

"The President, under Section 7(1) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, is pleased to authorise Smt Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, Member, National Human Rights Commission, to act as the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, with effect from 02.06.2024, until the appointment of a new Chairperson in the NHRC to fill such vacancy,” the notification read.

Therefore, as the facts has been cited above, we would like to appeal the Chief Secretary and the Commissioner of Government of Manipur to kindly consider the area of concern and appoint an Acting Chairperson as per the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 and also to appoint a Chairperson at the earliest in the best interest of the Human Rights of the People of Manipur.

(T Shadishkanta)
Youth’s Forum For Protection Of Human Rights
Palace Compound West, Imphal East – 795001