Appointment of Human Rights Commission Chairperson: Governor postpones file 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Governor has left Kerala without examining the file containing the government's recommendation to appoint Justice Manikumar, who was the Chief Justice of the High Court, as the Chairman of the State Human Rights Commission.

The recommendation file for Manikumar along with opposition leader VD Satheesan's letter of dissent was delivered to the Raj Bhavan the other day. Although the officials brought this file to the attention of the governor, he suggested that the file be postponed saying that it was not an urgent matter.

The recommendation of the committee consisting of the Chief Minister, the Speaker and the Leader of the Opposition is not a Cabinet decision, so the Governor is not bound to accept the same. 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 retirementIn this regard, the governor has before him the complaints of opposition leader VD Satheesan, former opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala and the Save University campaign committee.

A decision on the recommendation is likely to be taken only after the governor returns to the Raj Bhavan on the 18th. The decision will be taken after seeking legal advice and an explanation from the government.