Mizoram has constituted its first State Human Rights Commission (SHRC), with Justice Marli Vankung (Retd.) taking oath as its first Chairperson, marking a significant step towards strengthening the protection and promotion of human rights in the State.

More About the News

• The establishment of the SHRC reflects Mizoram’s commitment to ensuring greater accountability, transparency and protection of citizens’ rights. 
• The Commission was constituted following the direction of the Gauhati High Court, highlighting the role of the judiciary in strengthening democratic institutions.

Key Highlights

• Justice Marli Vankung (Retd.), former judge of the Gauhati High Court, was sworn in as the first Chairperson of the Mizoram State Human Rights Commission.
• The other members are Vanlalenmawia, a retired Judicial Service Officer, and K. Lal Nghinglova, a retired Indian Administrative Service (AGMUT Cadre) officer.
• The Commission was constituted following directions issued by the Gauhati High Court in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Zofa Welfare Organisation (ZWO).
• The Commission is expected to strengthen the protection of fundamental human rights, improve grievance redressal and promote greater awareness of human rights across the State.

About the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC)

• The State Human Rights Commission is a statutory body constituted under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
• It functions independently to inquire into complaints of human rights violations, review safeguards provided under the Constitution and laws, promote human rights awareness and recommend measures for better protection of rights.
• The Commission generally consists of a Chairperson, who has been a Chief Justice or Judge of a High Court, along with other members possessing judicial and administrative expertise.
• The Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC) was constituted by the Government on 19 March 1996.
  • Its first Chairman was Justice Surendra Nath Bhargava (former Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court).
  • The current Chairperson of AHRC is Justice Arup Kumar Goswami (former Chief Justice of High Court of Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh)
  • Members includes Justice Ajit Borthakur (former Judge, Gauhati High Court and Santanu Bharali (Advocate and Social Activist)

Exam Hook – Prelims

Q. With reference to the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC), consider the following statements:

1. The State Human Rights Commission is constituted under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
2. It is empowered to inquire into complaints of alleged human rights violations within the State.
3. The National Human Rights Commission appoints the Chairperson and members of the State Human Rights Commission.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

One-line Wrap

The establishment of Mizoram’s first State Human Rights Commission strengthens the State’s institutional framework for protecting human rights and deepening constitutional governance.