Election Commission defers selection process for chairperson, members of Haryana Human Rights Commission amid assembly polls

New Delhi [India], September 9 (ANI): The Election Commission of India (ECI) has given directions for postponing the meeting of selection committee to appoint Chairperson, Member (Judicial) and Member (Non-Judicial) of Haryana State Human Rights Commission till the completion of Assembly election in the state.

The directions follow complaint made by the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee.

The Election Commission sought a detailed report sought from CEO Haryana and was informed that these posts have been lying vacant since last year.

Acting on a writ petition, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on April 5 this year had directed the State government to fill up all the posts within a period of three weeks of the lifting of the MCC (Model Code of Conduct) which was imposed due to Lok Sabha, 2024 elections.

The direction of the Court was not complied with by the State government, even though there was sufficient time available. In the meantime, a contempt petition was filed and listed on August 8 which was adjourned to November 12, 2024 on the request of the state’s counsel.

The Commission, in its order, noted that although these posts have been lying vacant for more than a year, the state Government will have sufficient time to fill up these vacant posts for compliance of Punjab and Haryana High Court Order, after the completion of elections in the state on October 10.

Polling will be held in Haryana for assembly elections on October 5 and votes will be counted on October 8.