Aizawl: The Mizoram government has informed the Gauhati High Court’s Aizawl Bench that the State Human Rights Commission has been constituted under the provisions of Section 21(4) and (1) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
During the hearing, the government advocate, representing the respondents, submitted two notifications, confirming compliance with the court’s directive issued on September 6, 2024.
“A review of the notifications reveals that the Mizoram State Human Rights Commission has been established by the state government under the provisions of Section 21(4) and (1) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, with its headquarters at Aizawl,” the government advocate informed the division bench comprising Justice Nelson Sailo and Justice Marli Vankung.
The state government also apprised the court that a notification for the creation of 16 posts—comprising the chairperson, two members, and additional officers and staff required for the Commission’s functioning—has been issued.
The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL/4/2021) titled Zofa Welfare Organisation (ZWO) Mizoram vs State of Mizoram and five others.
The government advocate stated that the authorities are in the process of identifying suitable candidates for the positions of chairperson and members of the Commission. Additionally, efforts are underway to secure an appropriate building to house the Commission’s headquarters.
The petitioner, Zofa Welfare Organisation, had submitted a proposal to the State government, suggesting candidates for the positions of chairperson and members for the Commission’s consideration.
Acknowledging the progress, the Court noted, “Having regard to the aforesaid development, we have noticed that some positive steps have been taken by the State respondents in furtherance of the establishment of the Human Rights Commission in the State of Mizoram. However, it goes without saying that the State respondents will have to take further steps to establish the Commission by appointing suitable persons as its chairman/chairperson and members, apart from filling up the posts which have been created, so that the Commission can be set in motion.”
The bench adjourned the matter for eight weeks, directing the state government to file an additional affidavit in the interim.
“In the meantime, the respondents shall file an additional affidavit incorporating the notifications which have been produced and also inform the Court of all the steps for the establishment of the Commission pursuant to the issuance of the said notifications dated October 11, 2024,” the court stated.
This development marks a significant step toward strengthening human rights mechanisms in Mizoram, fulfilling long-standing demands for such a body in the state.
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