The Manipur High Court has closed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the order dated 17.05.2021 issued by the Additional Chief Secretary (TA & Hills), Government of Manipur, appointing the existing Chairmen of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) as Caretaker Chairmen, as an interim measure till elections are held to such Councils.

The PIL was filed by five social activists from Ukhrul, Churachandpur, Senapati, Noney and Chandel Districts in Manipur.

The failure on the part of the State in holding elections afresh to these Councils after expiry of the terms of the elected Councils in June, 2020, was attributable to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in Manipur.

While so, Lenin Hijam, Advocate General, Manipur, who appeared for the State authorities, informed the Court that the State Cabinet has taken a decision to hold fresh elections to these Councils before the end of November 2022.

He further stated that formal notifications are yet to be issued in that regard.

In the light of the firm commitment given by the Advocate General, Manipur, on the basis of the instructions received by him, the Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice M.V. Muralidaran opined that it would suffice at this stage if the commitment of the State authorities is taken on record and they are permitted sufficient time to make good on such commitment.

The Manipur High Court has disposed of a PIL, seeking constitution of separate Autonomous District Councils for the newly-created hill districts of Noney, Kangpokpi, Pherzawl and Kamjong, stating that the State Cabinet has already taken a decision on the same.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice Lanusungkum Jamir on August 12 passed the order on a petition filed by one Simon Kamei, seeking direction to the authorities to constitute and establish separate Autonomous District Councils for the new hill districts.

The Court heard L. Sevananda, Counsel, appearing for the petitioner and N. Kumarjit, Advocate General, Manipur, for the state respondents.

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The Bench observed that the second additional reply affidavit filed by the state authorities reflected that the State Cabinet took a decision on March 27, 2021 for creation of Autonomous District Councils for the newly-created Hill Districts, and directed that election should be held to these District Councils, along with others.

In light of this development, Mr Sevananda stated that the grievance canvassed in the PIL stands settled.