Kolkata: Former West Bengal Police chief Naparajit Mukherjee, perceived to be close to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, was yesterday selected as a member of the state human rights panel, which has made a series of rulings not liked by the ruling Trinamool Congress in the past two years.
Mukherjee’s name was cleared by a three member assembly committee comprising Banerjee, Speaker Biman Banerjee and Leader of Opposition Surjya Kanta Mishra.
While the chief minister proposed Mukherjee’s name, it was seconded by the speaker. Despite Mishra raising objection over the need to appoint a retired police officer in the panel, he was overruled by majority. The recommendation will now go to Governor M K Narayanan.
Mukherjee, who retired as director general of police last month, is regarded as Banerjee’s yes man.
Two of the commission members — Justice (retd) Narayan Chandra Sil and former state chief secretary Sourin Roy are set to complete their terms on November 1 and November 15 respectively. Accorign to rules, a retired judge has to replace Sil.
Once the governor approves, the decks would be cleared for Mukherjee to replace Roy in the category of a member “appointed from amongst persons having knowledge of, or practical experience in, matters relating to human rights”. Mishra later told media persons he objected to Mukherjee taking over the job as the Supreme Court had earlier ruled that police officers cannot be made members of human rights panels. IANS
