THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has decided not to approach Supreme Court against Governor Arif Mohammed Khan for not signing bills passed by Assembly. Earlier, the government had received legal advice that the Governor's action could be challenged in court. However, the government has decided that there is no need for hasty action in this matter.

On Saturday, ministers V Sivankutty and Mohammed Riyas went to the Raj Bhavan with 'Onakkodi' and invited the Governor for Onam celebrations. Following this, Chief Secretary Dr. V. Venu met the Governor yesterday morning. The mission was to eliminate the tensions between the governor and the government.

The governor has not approved the appointment of two persons recommended by the government as PSC members. The governor had withheld 10 Bills passed by the Assembly, including Lokayukta Amendment Act and University Amendment Act, without signing them.

The governor should directly nominate 16 people each to the senates of Kerala and Calicut universities. In the past, the government's interest was considered. It also needs to be ensured.

Govt has not submitted file on appointment of Human Rights Commission chairman

Although it was decided on August 9 to appoint former High Court Chief Justice Manikumar as the Chairman of the Human Rights Commission, the government has not submitted the file regarding the appointment to the Governor. The appointment was recommended with a dissenting letter from the Leader of the Opposition. It is alleged that while serving as the Chief Justice, Manikumar had helped the government in critical cases and took positions contrary to the Governor's orders as the Chancellor. Complaints of opposition leader VD Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, and the Save University Campaign Committee stating that the position of Human Rights Commission Chairman was offered to Manikumar as the reward for this are under the consideration of the Governor.

The government is planning to take the recommendation of Manikumar's appointment to the Raj Bhavan after learning about the governor's opinion. If the governor takes a tough stand, it will ask Manikumar to write a letter of objection, and the committee will meet again to recommend a new person as the chairman of the Human Rights Commission. Malayali and former Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh Justice P R Ramachandra Menon is under consideration.