Nearly two months after the establishment of the Mizoram State Human Rights Commission (SHRC), the government is yet to appoint a chairperson, members, and supporting staff, according to a senior official on Tuesday.
Vanlalmawia, Secretary of the Home Department, stated that the selection committee, led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, has not yet finalised recommendations for the chairperson, two members, and 13 supporting staff positions required for the SHRC.
“The recruitment process for the state human rights panel is ongoing, and the selection committee is expected to make its recommendations soon,” Vanlalmawia said.
The SHRC was officially announced through a government notification on October 11, following a directive from the Gauhati High Court.
This came after prolonged delays, with the court’s Aizawl bench issuing a final two-month deadline on September 6 for the government to establish the commission or face contempt proceedings.
During a hearing on November 27, government advocate H Lalmalsawmi informed the division bench of Justice Nelson Sailo and Justice Marli Vankung that the SHRC had been established on October 11 with its headquarters in Aizawl.
She also noted that 16 posts, including those of the chairperson and members, had been created.
However, Lalmalsawmi added that the process of appointing qualified candidates to lead the panel and securing a suitable office building for the commission remains underway and requires additional time.
The delay in operationalizing the SHRC has drawn attention, with expectations that the appointments and logistical preparations will be expedited to ensure the commission can begin addressing human rights concerns in the state.
