Kerala State Human Rights Commission

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission was constituted on 11 December 1998 with the appointment of the first Chairperson Justice M.M. Pareed Pillay, a former Chief Justice of Kerala High Court, along with Dr. S. Balaraman and T.K. Wilson as supporting members by notification S.R.O No. 1066/1998 Dt: 11-12-98. The former Acting Chief Justice of Kerala High Court Justice Alexander Thomas is the present chairperson. The chairperson and members are appointed by the Kerala Governor.

SHRC comprises a chairman and two members. The chairman should be a retired chief justice or judge of High Court and members should be serving or retired judges of HC or district judges with 7 years experience and knowledge or practical experience in the field of human rights. The SHRC is authorized to inquire into violations of human rights related to matters specified in the state list and concurrent list. But if NHRC or any other statutory commission has already inquired a matter then the SHRC doesn't investigate it. Objectives and duties are same as NHRC.

A sitting judge of HC or sitting district judge can be appointed only after recommendations of CJ of high court. Once the members cease to occupy office they aren't eligible for any appointment under central or state government. Members are not eligible for reappointment subject to age criteria. Term is 70 years of age or three years.

The Chairperson and members of the Kerala HRC are appointed by the Governor, on the recommendation of a committee consisting of:

* The Chief Minister (chairperson) * The Home Minister * The Leader of the Opposition in the legislative assembly * The Speaker of the legislative assembly Provided by Wikipedia