Aizawl, Sept 9: C Lalchhandami has resigned from her position as the chairperson of the Mizoram State Commission for Women following protests led by the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF). The MNF had raised objections to her appointment, citing that she had exceeded the age limit prescribed for the post. An official confirmed on Sunday that Lalchhandami submitted her resignation to the Social Welfare Department secretary on Saturday.

The MNF had been demanding Lalchhandami’s resignation, arguing that her appointment was illegal as she had allegedly crossed the age limit of 65 years, as stipulated in the Mizoram State Commission for Women Act, 2004. The party had also lodged a police complaint regarding her appointment and had set a deadline for her resignation by September 9.

Lalchhandami, appointed as the chairperson in March this year, defended herself in her resignation letter, stating she had not yet reached the age of 65 and could have legally continued in her position. However, she chose to step down to preserve the commission’s reputation amid the escalating political controversy.

During her five-month tenure, Lalchhandami claimed the commission had heard over 100 cases, a significant increase compared to the 86 cases heard between May 2019 and February 2024. She noted that 80% of these cases were resolved amicably, marking a notable achievement for the commission.

Social Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii defended the appointment, stating there were no irregularities from the government’s side. She mentioned that Lalchhandami’s birth certificate, submitted to the government, showed she was born in 1960, justifying her appointment as per the existing regulations.