The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC), the body set up to investigate, promote and protect human rights, is currently in shambles, with not a single member on the committee. This was revealed, when the Bombay high court admitted a PIL filed by an advocate in this regard.
The PIL states that there is complete apathy on part of the government of Maharashtra towards appointing the chairperson and members of the SHRC.
The team of SHRC comprises four members along with one chairman. “In the beginning of the year 2012, the commission had two members. While chairman Justice (Retd) Vijay Munshi retired on February 19, 2012, committee member Justice (Retd) Kshitij Vyas resigned three days later,” the PIL states.
According to Mr Salsingikar, the commission’s condition has been pitiable for years together. “But, this is the worst phase. And since no one has brought this issue on record, I have filed the PIL.”
The advocate further added, “The state did not bother to fill in the vacant posts in the commission, despite the vacancies arising on account of completion of tenure and resignations of the members. This affected the functioning of the commission.” The PIL will come up for hearing on April 12.