MHRC: No decision yet on extension of member’s term

Shillong, Oct 20: The selection committee, headed by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, will meet soon to decide on whether or not to give an extension to Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) former judicial member Baffindalyne Giri whose term ended on October 17.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and Chief Secretary DP Wahlang are the two other members of the selection committee. It could not meet due to Tynsong’s ill health.
The MHRC does not have the quorum after the expiry of Giri’s term and therefore, it cannot conduct any meeting or hear any case. As per the Act, the Commission requires a quorum of two of its three members, including the chairperson, to take any decision.
The Commission is now left with only one active member, Chairperson Justice (retd) T Vaiphei. This is the reason why it has postponed all hearings on different cases.
The state Cabinet had earlier approved the appointment of incumbent State Information Officer Heimonlang Nongpluh as the Commission’s non-judicial member after the term of former Director General of Police PJ Hanaman ended. However, Nongpluh is expected to assume charge only in December.
Sources told The Shillong Times that the MHRC had written to the government about a month back seeking the extension of the term of Giri as she is yet to attain the age of 70 years. The government so far has not taken any decision on the Commission’s request.
According to the sources, currently there is none in the state to be appointed as a judicial member as no district and sessions judge has retired from service.
The sources said the government will have to appoint someone from outside the state as the Commission’s judicial member in case it is not in favour to giving an extension to Giri.