Thiruvananthapuram: The state government offered an explanation to the Governor for its decision to appoint Justice S Manikumar as the Chairman of the Kerala State Human Rights Commission. 

The allegation that the person was biased during his tenure as a judge would not stand, the government said. If there is a complaint about any verdict, it should be resolved through legal channels, instead of raising allegations, the government stated. 

Earlier, a committee comprising Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Speaker A.N. Shamseer recommended Manikumar's appointment with a note of dissent from the Opposition leader V.D Satheesan.

In his dissent, Satheesan said that taking into consideration Manikumar’s post as a High Court Chief Justice, it would be difficult for him to act impartially. Apart from this, the former Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala and the Save Education Campaign committee had given notice to the Governor opposing Manikumar’s appointment.

The Governor had sought an explanation from the government on the matter. The new development comes at this juncture. 

It has been almost a month since the recommendation reached the Raj Bhavan and weeks since the Governor asked for an explanation. The government’s response was delayed because there were indications of the Governor not being in favour of the appointment. The government may return the recommendation or delay the decision by extension.