IMPHAL, November 10: The appointment order of State Commissioner for the Persons with Disabilities, Social Welfare department of the government of Manipur has been kept in abeyance by a ruling of the Manipur High Court.
The notification for appointment of the said post was issued on June 28, 2014, by H Rupachandra, Joint Secretary (SW), government of Manipur, in accordance with a recruitment notification issued by the Director of Social Welfare on November 21, 2013.
It may be mentioned that according to the appointment order, L Ibomcha Singh, son of late L Ibobi Singh of Wangkhei Lourembam Leirak Imphal East District, was appointed as the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.
However, on November 4, 2014, a Single Bench ruling by the Chief Justice, Laxmikant Mohapatra of Manipur High Court had ordered the appointment order to be kept in abeyance.
The court order pointed out that L Ibomcha, who had been appointed as State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities does not have 15 years’ experience in Class-1 post either in the State or Central government, which is against the criteria of the said post.
The court further directed the State government to make alternative arrangement during the pendency of the writ petition for smooth functioning of the office.
It may also be mentioned that the writ petition was filed by Dr Rajkumar Kumarjit Singh, son of late RK Manisana of Keishamthong Elangbam Leikai Imphal West, on November 4, 2014 through his counsel M Rarry, challenging the appointment order. Respondent L Ibomcha was represented by advocate SN Meitei.
The other respondents were: State of Manipur represented by Chief Secretary; Principal Secretary, Social Welfare Department; Director of Social Welfare and Secretary/Deputy Secretary (DP), government of Manipur.