“Has the Governor’s office been misguided?”

Senior Advocate Khaidem Mani, former Chairperson of the Manipur Human Rights Commission, today publicly challenged the recent appointment of a non-judicial member to the Manipur Lokayukta, asking if the Governor’s office has been misled in the process.
Of the two non-judicial and judicial members that the Manipur Lokayukta bench requires, Siddharth Kishore Dev Verman (Retired IAS) — who previously served as Chairperson of the Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC) — was sworn in Thursday by Governor A.K. Bhalla as the non-judicial member. The appointment of the Lokayukta Chairperson and the judicial member remains pending.
Speaking to media at his residence in Moirangkhom, Imphal, Khaidem Mani argued that the appointment was irregular. He pointed out that the Manipur Legislative Assembly was under suspended animation at the time, and that under Section 6 of the Manipur Lokayukta Act, 2014, appointments of the Chairperson or members of the Lokayukta must follow the recommendation of a selection committee made up of the Chief Minister, Speaker, Leader of Opposition, Chief Justice of the High Court, and a nominated member. In the absence of a functioning Legislative Assembly, he contended, the selection committee cannot operate, and thus the Governor’s appointment lacks legal foundation.
Khaidem Mani further claimed that Siddharth Kishore Dev Verman’s appointment contradicts Article 319 of the Constitution, which restricts post-tenure employment of members of State Public Service Commissions. Under Clause (b) and (d) of Article 319, once a person has held office as Chairman or member of a State Public Service Commission, they may only be eligible for appointment as Chairman or member of another Public Service Commission — but not for other government employment. Constitution of India+2Indian Kanoon+2
He thus questioned whether Verman, by virtue of his prior role as MPSC Chairperson (from March 18, 2024 to January 12, 2025, as claimed), is constitutionally disqualified from taking up the Lokayukta post. (Verman’s exact dates and eligibility are disputed by neither side publicly.)
As of now, the Manipur Lokayukta bench remains partially constituted, and the appointment process is under public scrutiny.