Governor's discontent prompts reconsideration of State Human Rights Commission chairperson appointment

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the Governor expressing his discontent, the government may suggest an alternative to replace Justice Manikumar, who was the Chief Justice of the High Court for the position of State Human Rights Commission Chairperson. Justice P R Ramachandra Menon, a Malayali and former Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh, is under consideration.

The government initially decided to appoint Justice Manikumar as the chairman on August 9 but the appointment file has not yet been submitted to the Raj Bhavan. The government dispatched Chief Secretary V Venu to the Raj Bhavan to gauge the Governor's stance. The Governor is displeased that the government began considering Manikumar for the role while he still held the position of chief justice, and that the chief minister hosted a farewell event for him at a private hotel in Kovalam just before his retirement.

It has also been indicated that the Governor has taken the stance of not signing the appointment file. Consequently, the government has opted to obtain a written rejection from Manikumar and subsequently recommend another candidate to the committee.

The selection of the Chairman of the Human Rights Commission is undertaken by a committee comprising the Chief Minister, the Speaker and the Leader of the Opposition. Opposition Leader V D Satheesan had raised objections in Manikumar's case. The file can only be sent to the Governor for approval if accompanied by Satheesan's dissenting letter.

In his note, the opposition leader asserts that it is unlikely for Manikumar to act impartially and justly. Additionally, it is a drawback that Manikumar does not know Malayalam as the chairperson of the Human Rights Commission needs to comprehend the issues faced by the general public and address them appropriately.

Complaint lodged with the Governor alleges that during Manikumar's tenure as Chief Justice, he favoured the government in crucial cases and, as the chancellor adopted stances conflicting with the Governor's orders. Complaints from V D Satheesan, former opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala and the Save University Campaign Committee are being reviewed by the governor regarding his appointment as the chairman of the Human Rights Commission allegedly as a reward for these actions.