ECI Postpones Key Haryana Human Rights Appointments Amid Assembly Elections

The Election Commission of India has delayed the selection of Chairperson and members of Haryana State Human Rights Commission due to the ongoing assembly elections. This follows a complaint from the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee and a court order mandating the vacancies be filled post-elections.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the postponement of the selection committee meeting to appoint the Chairperson, as well as Judicial and Non-Judicial Members of the Haryana State Human Rights Commission, until the conclusion of the assembly elections in the state. This move follows a complaint lodged by the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee.

The ECI, after receiving a detailed report from the Chief Electoral Officer of Haryana, was informed that these key positions have been vacant since last year. The Punjab and Haryana High Court, in response to a writ petition, had on April 5 this year instructed the state government to fill these vacancies within three weeks after the lifting of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections' Model Code of Conduct.

The state government failed to comply with the court's timeline despite ample time. Consequently, a contempt petition was filed, which is scheduled for a hearing on November 12, 2024. The ECI noted that although the positions have been unoccupied for over a year, the state government will have sufficient time to comply with the court order by filling the vacancies after the elections slated for October 10.

Assembly elections in Haryana are scheduled for October 5, with vote counting set for October 8. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)