The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday issued notice to the State government on a plea to fill the vacancies of chairperson and members in the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission. [Sudha Katwa v State].The Court issued notice to the Chief Secretary, Secretary of the Law Department, and the Human Rights Commission and directed the authorities to submit objections if any..While issuing notice to the State government, the Court also directed the authorities to take action to fill the vacant positions. .A division bench headed by Chief Justice Prasanna Balachandra Varale and Justice MGS Kamal was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed by a lawyer, Sudha Katwa.The petition sought the efficient implementation of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The Act aims to promote and safeguard human rights, to provide a mechanism to address complaints related to human rights violations and to grant easier access to justice for victims, the plea highlighted..Appearing for the petitioner, advocate S Umapathy told the Court that the State has not taken any action to fill pending vacancies to the posts of chairman and members of the State Human Rights Commission. These posts have been lying vacant for months, the lawyer submitted. Thus, people coming from far-flung towns of the State are not able to file complaints about their rights being threatened, he added.The Court was informed that retired Justice DH Vaghela, the former Chairman of the Commission, completed his term on March 10 this year.Additionally, Commission Member KB Changappa's term expired on February 17 and another Member, RK Dutta's term came to an end on February 24.The petitioner added that on March 24, she had submitted a request to the government for the appointment of a Chairman and Members to the Commission. However, the government took no action, prompting her to approach the High Court for relief. The matter is slated to be heard next on July 6.
