Justice S Manikumar, the former Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court, has been designated as the new chairman of the State Human Rights Commission, a decision that has sparked disagreement within the selection panel. The panel, headed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and including Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan and Speaker of the Kerala Assembly AN Shamseer, made the appointment. However, the choice did not achieve unanimity, with Satheesan raising concerns over the process.
Justice Manikumar's appointment, which is pending clearance by Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, follows the retirement of Justice Antony Dominic, leaving the chairman position vacant since May. The current charge is held by commission judicial member K Baijunath.
While the Chief Minister and Speaker supported Justice Manikumar's appointment, Satheesan expressed dissent through a detailed note. Satheesan criticized the undemocratic and mysterious manner in which the appointment was made, questioning whether Justice Manikumar could fulfil his responsibilities without bias.
Justice Manikumar assumed the position of Chief Justice of Kerala High Court in October 2019, after serving as a judge in the Madras High Court. He retired from the Kerala HC on April 24. His farewell, hosted by the LDF government, led to controversy, with the UDF alleging a gesture of gratitude for issuing verdicts favouring the government.
Satheesan highlighted that the usual practice of sharing candidate details beforehand was not followed, and the decision was taken unilaterally. Expressing concerns over Justice Manikumar's impartiality based on his actions as Chief Justice, Satheesan emphasized that the appointment should not proceed without adequate information.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala criticized the appointment, suggesting that Justice Manikumar's track record might compromise justice in cases of human rights violations. Chennithala alleged that Justice Manikumar's appointment was a reciprocal gesture by the state government, citing instances where he allegedly delayed action on significant cases related to the government.
Source: Link
Picture Source :
