Gauhati HC Seeks Fresh Update on Appointment of Mizoram State Human Rights Commission Chairperson

The Gauhati High Court pressed the Mizoram government for current instructions on the Governor's approval to appoint the Chairperson and members of the State Human Rights Commission.

A Division Bench of the Gauhati High Court, comprising Justice Nelson Sailo and Justice Shamima Jahan, on 15 July 2026 directed the State of Mizoram to place up-to-date instructions before the court on the appointment of the Chairperson and members of the Mizoram State Human Rights Commission. The matter arises from a public interest litigation, PIL/4/2021, filed by the Zofa Welfare Organisation (ZWO), Mizoram, represented by its President, Rev. Robawia. The bench noted that an affidavit filed by the State on 29 June 2026 disclosed ongoing steps but could not confirm whether the Governor had approved the requisite notification for appointment. The matter is now listed for 22 July 2026.

The PIL and the Respondents

The petition names six respondents: the State of Mizoram through its Chief Secretary; the Secretary, Home Department, Government of Mizoram; the Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi; the Chairperson/General Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, New Delhi; the Secretary, Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, Government of Mizoram; and the Under Secretary, Finance Department, Government of Mizoram.

Ms. Rosalynn L. Hmar appeared for the petitioner, ZWO. Mrs. Vanneihsiami, Government Advocate, appeared for respondent Nos. 1, 2, 5 and 6, while Ms. Zairemsangpuii, Central Government Counsel, appeared for respondent Nos. 3 and 4.

What the State's Affidavit Disclosed

The State respondents filed an additional affidavit on 29 June 2026, as directed by the court on 24 June 2026. The Government Advocate, referring to that affidavit, informed the bench of the following steps taken by the respondent authorities:

• Steps have been initiated for the recruitment of a driver for the establishment of the State Human Rights Commission.
• The appointment of the Chairperson and members of the Commission is under process, and an appropriate notification is proposed to be issued after obtaining the approval of the Governor.
• The State Finance Department has allocated Rs. 395.72 lakhs to the Commission to meet expenditure on salaries, wages, and office expenses.
• The State Finance Department has separately allocated Rs. 18.83 lakhs for repairing and renovation of the Urban Resource Centre, UD&PA, to serve as temporary accommodation for the Commission.

The Court's Query on Governor's Approval

The bench directly asked whether the notification for the appointment of the Chairperson and members had received the Governor's approval. The Government Advocate was unable to respond, stating that she had not received any updated instructions on this point.

The court observed that the affidavit had been filed on 29 June 2026 and, with the matter being heard in the middle of July 2026, further updates were required. The Government Advocate requested a week's time to secure fresh instructions from the concerned authorities.

Order

Accepting the request, the Division Bench directed that the matter be listed again on 22 July 2026, so that the Government Advocate could place up-to-date instructions before the court regarding the Governor's approval for the appointment of the Chairperson and members of the Mizoram State Human Rights Commission.