The much-anticipated appointments of the Chairperson and two Members of the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) are nearing completion. Established in 2012 to safeguard human rights in line with the National Human Rights Commission, the HHRC is set to finalise these key positions. With most formalities completed, a meeting involving the State Chief Minister, Assembly Speaker, and Leader of the Opposition will be held soon to finalise the names, which will then be forwarded to the Governor for approval. Notably, this meeting can take place physically, telephonically, or via other communication means.
There is a possibility that the appointments may be staggered, with one or two positions being filled initially to ensure the Commission’s smooth functioning.
Earlier, a writ petition highlighted the issue of vacant Chairperson and Member posts in the HHRC, causing delays in proceedings. In response, the High Court directed the state government to make the appointments within a stipulated time. The government subsequently assured the court that the Commission would resume functioning after the Model Code of Conduct was lifted. Despite a previous deadline of March 31, unknown reasons delayed the appointments. In April, the High Court mandated that all posts be filled within three weeks after the code of conduct was lifted.
The panel responsible for these appointments includes the Chief Minister of Haryana, the Assembly Speaker, the Home Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition. Since CM Nayab Singh Saini also holds the portfolio of Home Minister, the panel consists of three members. The Chairperson of the Commission can be a retired Chief Justice or High Court judge, one member can be a retired High Court judge or a retired District Sessions Judge with seven years of experience, and the other member should have practical experience and knowledge of human rights. These appointments can be finalised through mutual conversation or physical meetings.
The HHRC receives an estimated 400 to 500 complaints monthly. The last meeting of the Commission in July 2023 resulted in a backlog of 5,000 to 6,000 new complaints awaiting action. The Commission accepts complaints via mail, physical submission, or suo motu (self-cognizance), highlighting the urgency of filling these key positions. Questions have been raised regarding the delay, with some attributing it to bureaucratic inefficiency, despite the government’s intention to make timely appointments.
According to the Commission, about 60 per cent of complaints involve police employees and officers, including serious allegations of sexual abuse, exploitation, extortion, assault in custody, bribery, and molestation. The Commission has also received complaints against other department employees, concerning issues like the non-availability of government scheme benefits, old age allowances, property possession, encroachment, social welfare, and medical negligence by doctors.
