ECI Orders Postponement of Selection Process For Chairperson of Haryana Human Rights Commission

New Delhi: The Election Commission on Monday directed authorities in Haryana to defer a meeting of the selection committee to appoint a chairperson and members of the state human rights body till the model code of conduct is lifted in the poll-bound state.

The EC's directive came following a complaint lodged by the state Congress .

In a detailed report sought from the state's chief electoral officer, the poll panel was informed that these posts have been lying vacant since last year.

Acting on a writ petition, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had in April directed the state government to fill up all the posts within three weeks of the lifting of the model code imposed due to the Lok Sabha elections.

The direction of the court was not complied with by the state government, even though there was sufficient time available.

In the meantime, a contempt petition was filed in the high court and listed on July 8 which was adjourned to November 12 on the request of the state's counsel.

The Election Commission, in its order, noted that although these posts have been lying vacant for more than a year, the state government will have sufficient time to fill up these vacant posts for compliance with the high court order, after the completion of the assembly elections.

Polling in Haryana will be held on October 5 while counting of votes is on October 8. 

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