Gauhati HC Closes PIL After Mizoram Appoints Chairperson, Members Of State Human Rights Commission

The Gauhati High Court has closed a public interest litigation seeking constitution of the Mizoram State Human Rights Commission, after the State informed the Court that it had appointed a Chairperson and two members and allocated funds for the Commission's functioning.

Court Says Purpose Of PIL Has Been Served

A Bench of Justice Nelson Sailo and Justice Shamima Jahan closed the PIL after the State Government informed the Court that it had already appointed a Chairperson and two members of the Mizoram State Human Rights Commission vide a notification dated July 8, 2026. The Government Advocate produced a copy of the notification, which was kept on record. The Court held that, in light of these developments, the purpose of the PIL had been served, and expressed confidence that the State Government would spare no effort in making the Commission functional without delay.

Background: PIL Sought Constitution Of Commission Under 1993 Act

The PIL was filed by Zofa Welfare Organisation (ZWO), Mizoram, represented by its President, Rev. Robawia, seeking a direction to the State of Mizoram to set up the State Human Rights Commission as mandated under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. Pursuant to notice issued in the matter, the State respondents had taken steps toward establishing the Commission. The Court also took note of the Supreme Court's 2015 direction in Dilip Kumar Basu v. State of West Bengal, which had directed all State Governments to set up State Human Rights Commissions.

Based on affidavits filed over the course of the proceedings, the Court noted that advertisements had been floated for filling posts such as LDC and Driver for the Commission, and that steps were underway for appointment of a Chairperson and two members. The State's Finance Department had allocated Rs. 395.72 lakh for the Commission's salaries, wages and office expenses, along with a further Rs. 18.83 lakh for repair and renovation of the Urban Resource Centre, UD&PA, for temporary accommodation of the Commission.

Funds Allocated, Staff Selection And Renovation Underway

On July 15, 2026, the Court had directed the Government Advocate to obtain an up-to-date status report. On the next date of hearing, the Government Advocate confirmed the appointment of the Chairperson and two members, and further submitted that selection and appointment of staff for the Commission would be finalised shortly, with renovation of the building to house the Commission also underway.

Court Recommends Permanent Accommodation For Commission

While closing the PIL, the Court observed that since the accommodation arranged for the Commission was only temporary in nature, it would be desirable for the State Government to explore ways and means to provide the Commission a permanent building.

Case Title: Zofa Welfare Organisation (ZWO), Mizoram v. State of Mizoram & 5 Ors. Case No.: PIL/4/2021 Case ID: GAHC030002732021 Court: Gauhati High Court (High Court of Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh) Bench: Justice Nelson Sailo and Justice Shamima Jahan Judgment Date: July 22, 2026 Counsel for Petitioner: Ms. Rosalynn L. Hmar, Advocate Counsel for State Respondents: Ms. Vanneihsiami, Government Advocate, Mizoram Counsel for Union of India: Ms. Zairemsangpuii, Central Government Counsel