Meghalaya human rights body in uncertainty as former member's term ends

Guwahati: The Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) is currently facing a critical situation as former judicial member Baffindalyne Giri's term ended on October 17.

A selection committee, headed by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, is set to convene soon to decide on whether to grant Giri an extension.

The committee, comprising Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and Chief Secretary DP Wahlang, was unable to meet earlier due to Tynsong's ill health.

With Giri's term expiring, the MHRC lacks the necessary quorum to conduct meetings or hear cases, as the Commission requires two of its three members, including the chairperson, to make decisions.

Currently, Chairperson Justice (retd) T Vaiphei is the sole active member.

The state Cabinet has approved Heimonlang Nongpluh's appointment as a non-judicial member, but Nongpluh won't assume charge until December.

The MHRC requested the government to extend Giri's term, citing that she is yet to reach 70 years of age.

However, the government has not decided on this request.

If an extension is not granted, the government may need to appoint a judicial member from outside the state, as there are no retired district and session judges available within the state.