Retd woman judge should lead state women’s commission: Activist

Kolhapur: Social activist Pramod Zinjade has urged the state govt to appoint a retired woman judge of either the Supreme Court or the high court to the post of chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women and refrain from political appointments.Zinjade is known for steering a campaign to ban unfair practices related to widows and working towards making villages caste-free.Recently, Rupali Chakankar resigned as chairperson of the commission over links to the trust run by Ashok Kharat, an astrologer from Nashik accused of allegedly sexually exploiting women and being involved in rituals he claimed to be black magic.The commission was established in 1993. It comprises a chairperson, non-official members and prominent officials. It is a rule that the chairperson be a woman. The commission's objective is to ensure dignity and justice for women.Zinjade, who runs Mahatma Phule Samaj Seva Mandal in Karmala in Solapur district, has written a letter to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis putting forth the organisation's demands. He said in the letter that the commission plays an important role in protecting the rights of women and helps them get justice. Therefore, the chairperson must be unbiased and experienced and must work towards initiating justice."The chairperson is usually a woman politician, raising doubts about the independent functioning and decision making of the commission. I request that a retired woman judge of SC or HC be appointed to the post and changes be made in the law, if required. A non-political appointment will ensure operational transparency and trust in the commission as well as effective justice for victims," said Zinjade, in the letter.The activist has also mailed the letter to the office of the Maharashtra governor.