Manipur’s crisis and the collapse of MHRC

Manipur’s current state of turmoil raises fundamental questions about the integrity of constitutional democracy in the region. As the ongoing crisis unfolds, one of the gravest concerns is the deprivation of the basic rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India. With violence, unrest, and the frequent suspension of essential liberties such as the internet, the situation in Manipur has reached a critical point where the very existence of constitutionally enshrined freedoms is under threat.
One of the most alarming developments is the abeyance of the Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC), a body intended to safeguard the rights of the people. The inactivity of this critical institution, especially during a time of crisis, has left a significant vacuum in the enforcement of human rights protections. The failure to appoint a chairperson or acting chairperson violates the provisions of Section 25 of the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993. This lapse by the state’s law department undermines the very purpose of the MHRC, effectively paralyzing the commission’s ability to function.
Section 25 of the PHRA mandates that, in the absence of the chairperson, the senior-most member of the commission should take over as the acting chairperson. This provision ensures the continuity of the commission’s work and its ability to address human rights violations. However, the law department’s failure to implement this clause means that for months now, victims of human rights violations have had no official recourse. This is particularly tragic given the scale of violations currently taking place in Manipur.
On Tuesday, reports emerged of over 70 students being injured during democratic protests. Student protests, which demand accountability and justice, are a sign of the growing frustration among the youth, who feel increasingly alienated from their rights as citizens. These events serve as an indictment of the state’s inability to protect fundamental freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly and the right to protest.
Human rights activists have attempted to file cases with the MHRC, but their efforts have been in vain due to the commission’s inaction. With no chairperson or acting chairperson in place, the commission is unable to take up these complaints. This administrative paralysis has rendered the commission impotent, and the result is a denial of justice for the people of Manipur at a time when they need it the most. The absence of the MHRC not only weakens the framework of human rights protection in the state but also sets a dangerous precedent for the erosion of democratic institutions during times of crisis.
Given the gravity of the situation, it is imperative that the Governor of Manipur steps in. As the constitutional head of the state, the Governor holds the responsibility to ensure that the law is upheld and that state institutions function in accordance with their legal mandate. The Governor must summon the state law department and demand an explanation for its failure to follow the provisions of the PHRA. If it is found that this delay was intentional or negligent, legal action should be taken against those responsible for obstructing the functioning of the MHRC.
Moreover, the Governor should urgently push for the appointment of an acting chairperson to allow the MHRC to resume its duties. With Manipur reeling under crisis, the presence of an active Human Rights Commission is not only desirable but crucial. The MHRC can provide a platform for victims of abuse to voice their grievances, and ensure that the rule of law is respected. By ensuring that human rights are protected, the commission could play a role in restoring peace and stability in the state.
The neglect of the MHRC is tantamount to a betrayal of the people of Manipur, who have already endured much suffering. At this critical juncture, the state needs its institutions to function effectively, and the absence of human rights oversight can only further erode the trust of the people in the democratic process.
Restoring the MHRC is not just a legal obligation, but a moral imperative. Manipur deserves to be treated as an integral part of free India, where the Constitution is alive and functioning.