Justice Manikumar withdraws from taking up post of Kerala Human Rights Commission Chairman; Baijunath appointed as Acting Chairman

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former Kerala High Court Chief Justice Manikumar has withdrawn from assuming the post of the Kerala Human Rights Commission Chairman. Justice Manikumar's decision comes a few days after the Governor signed the file for his appointment. He has informed the Governor and the Chief Secretary of his decision through e-mail. Manikumar is a native of Chennai.

Justice Manikumar informed the Governor that he won't be able to come to Kerala and take up the post of the Human Rights Commission Chairman due to personal reasons. Even though the Governor has signed the file, the government has not issued a notification for the appointment. Hence, it is enough to abandon the further process. K. Baijunath, a judicial member of the commission, has been appointed as the acting chairperson.

At the same time, it is hinted that Justice Manikumar, who is close with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, decided not to take up the post as he is being considered for the post of Chairman of the Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission. The term of Tamil Nadu Human Rights Commission chairman Justice S Bhaskaran will end on May 31. The appointment of the next chairman will take place after that.

Earlier, it was hinted that the Kerala Governor approved Manikumar's appointment due to strong political pressure. It is said that the Governor signed the file as per the instruction of a prominent Union Minister. The Governor had withheld the file as was not happy that the state government considered Manikumar for the post of Chairman while he was serving as the High Court Chief Justice. The Governor also did not approve of the farewell given to Manikumar by the government at a private hotel in Kovalam before his retirement. A committee comprising the Chief Minister, the Speaker and the Leader of the Opposition will meet after the elections to recommend a new candidate as Human Rights Commission Chairman.

Retired High Court judge can be appointed as Chairman

• So far, a retired High Court Chief Justice or retired Supreme Court Judge has been appointed as Chairman of the State Human Rights Commission. As per the amendment, retired judges of the High Court can also become the Chairman. The term has been reduced from five to three years. The term can be extended one or more times. The age limit is 70 years
• The Chairman of the Commission has the salary, position and benefits of the Chief Justice of the High Court. The Chairman will have 7 personal staff, a car and an official residence. Other members of the Commission will have the position, salary, benefits and pension of High Court Judge.

Rs 4 lakhs- Money received by Commission Chairperson as salary and other benefits. Rs 60,000 house rent
Rs 3 lakhs- Money received by Commission members.