Election Commission Halts Haryana State Human Rights Committee Appointments

The Election Commission has instructed Haryana authorities to delay appointments for the state human rights body until the model code of conduct is lifted. This directive follows a complaint by the state Congress and comes amid ongoing challenges in fulfilling a high court directive to fill vacant posts.

The Election Commission has directed authorities in Haryana to defer the meeting of the selection committee intended to appoint a chairperson and members of the state human rights body until the model code of conduct is lifted. This decision stemmed from a complaint lodged by the state Congress against the timing of the appointments.

According to a detailed report sought from the state's chief electoral officer, the Election Commission was informed that these key posts have been vacant since last year. A writ petition had prompted the Punjab and Haryana High Court to order the state government to fill these roles within three weeks after the lifting of the code due to the Lok Sabha elections.

Despite the court's directive, the state government failed to comply, prompting a contempt petition, which is now adjourned to November 12 upon the government's request. The Commission noted that there would be sufficient time to comply with the court's order after the Haryana assembly elections, scheduled for October 5 with vote counting on October 8.

(With inputs from agencies.)