Justice S. Manikumar, formerly the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the State Human Rights Commission of Tamil Nadu.

The appointment, issued by the Governor of Tamil Nadu on June 18, 2024, falls under Section 22 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1961.

Justice Manikumar will serve as the Chairperson for a tenure of three years or until he reaches the age of seventy, whichever occurs earlier, starting from the date he assumes office.

Justice S. Manikumar took office as an Additional Judge of the Madras High Court on July 31, 2006, and was elevated to the position of Permanent Judge on November 9, 2009. He served as a judge of the Madras High Court until October 2019. Subsequently, from October 11, 2019, until April 23, 2023, he held the esteemed position of Chief Justice of Kerala High Court.

The Kerala Government's initial decision to appoint Justice Manikumar as the Chairperson of the State Human Rights Commission sparked considerable speculation. However, the controversies surrounding his post-retirement appointment were put to rest when he declined the position, citing personal reasons.