Imphal, July 09: Owing to non-appointment of members of Manipur Human Rights Commission, scores of cases that require full argument are reportedly pending and are being kept untouched after being taken up by the chairman of the rights panel.

According to the provision and regulation of Manipur Human Rights Commission, full argument of any case which relates to examination of witnesses, final hearing, etc, should be taken up by atleast two sitting members or a member and chairman.

However, since the last five year term of office of the members and the chairman expired on December 9, 2003, no such nature of cases, have been proceeded till now, said a Commission source.

In fact, the chairman of the rights panel, Justice (Retd) WA Shishak has been discharging his duties including seeking reports and comments from the Government authorities and other parties as well as giving advice and suggestions to the parties concerned among other limited things, the source added.

Having bound by the State regulation, the current chairperson cannot conduct hearings, full arguments comprising of both parties, the source said, adding that due to non-appointment of members, the Chairperson also cannot make any final recommendation of any contesting cases.

Till date, around 50 cases of such nature are pending before the rights panel, the source further said.

When contacted, former MHRC member Kh Chonjohn stated that the regulation was framed during their tenure only to make a free and fair proceedings and recommendations.

Since December 10, 2003, till date, the State Government has not appointed the members of the Commission even as the number of cases before the Commission has been increasing day by day.

Meanwhile, highly placed source in the State Law Department disclosed that the Department is undergoing active process for appointment of the members.

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