Manipur Congress President Seeks Assembly Dissolution, High Court Refers Case to Division Bench
Updated (2 articles)
Background of Assembly Inactivity and President’s Rule The 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly has not met since its last sitting on 12 August 2024, and President’s Rule was imposed on 13 February 2025 after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned amid ethnic violence [1]. The prolonged hiatus raised constitutional questions about the assembly’s status under Article 174 [1]. The Governor’s February 9 2025 order effectively suspended the assembly, prompting legal challenges [1].
Petition Filed by Congress President Targets Governor’s Order Congress president Keisham Meghachandra Singh submitted a petition to the Manipur High Court on 29 January 2026, demanding dissolution of the assembly under Article 174(2) [1]. He argues the Governor’s February 9 2025 directive nullified a summons dated 24 January 2025 for a February 11 sitting, violating Article 174(1) which limits a six‑month gap between sessions [1]. Singh characterizes the Governor’s action as an “unconstitutional exercise of powers” [1].
High Court Moves Case to Division Bench for Interpretation Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma noted that the dispute hinges on interpreting Article 174 and ordered the Chief Justice to place the matter before a Division Bench for a full hearing [1]. The referral signals that the court will examine both procedural and substantive constitutional issues [1]. A hearing date has yet to be scheduled [1].
Senior Advocates Represent Both Petitioners and Government Senior advocate Ningombam Bupenda Meitei appears for the petitioner, while Deputy Solicitor‑General Kh. Samarjit and N. Nongdamba represent the Union [1]. Advocate‑General Lenin Hijam and Deputy government advocate O. Raran Kumar defend the Manipur state government’s position [1]. Both sides have assembled experienced legal teams, indicating the case’s significance [1].
IDP Committee Rejects Unreasonable Resettlement Deadline The Kangpokpi District Internally Displaced Welfare Committee criticized the March 31 deadline for resettlement, calling it unrealistic [1]. The committee urged prioritization of road construction, adequate housing, and an increase in the ₹3 lakh assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana‑Gramin [1]. Their statement highlights broader humanitarian concerns linked to the political impasse [1].
Timeline
May 2023 – Tribal Solidarity March protests the Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe status, igniting ethnic clashes between Meitei and Kuki communities; the violence escalates and ultimately claims over 260 lives by the end of 2025, underscoring the deep‑seated communal fault lines in the state. [2]
Aug 12, 2024 – The 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly holds its last sitting; the legislature then remains inactive, setting the stage for later constitutional disputes over its dissolution. [1]
Feb 9, 2025 – Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigns amid intensifying ethnic violence, creating a power vacuum that prompts the Governor to intervene. [1]
Feb 9, 2025 – Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla issues an order that nullifies a Jan 24 summons for a Feb 11 assembly session, effectively preventing the legislature from reconvening within the constitutionally mandated six‑month interval and breaching Article 174(1). [1]
Feb 13, 2025 – President’s Rule is imposed in Manipur, suspending the 60‑member assembly and transferring executive authority to the Union government, heightening calls for a political solution. [1][2]
Dec 31, 2025 – Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra Singh tells reporters that dissolving the suspended assembly and holding fresh elections is the only way to restore peace, framing the crisis as a governance failure. [2]
Dec 31, 2025 – BJP MLA Tongbram Robindro urges forgiveness across communities and a return to peace as the New Year approaches, highlighting intra‑party calls for reconciliation. [2]
Jan 29, 2026 – Keisham Meghachandra Singh files a petition in the Manipur High Court seeking dissolution of the 12th Legislative Assembly under Article 174(2), arguing that the Governor’s Feb 9, 2025 order violated Article 174(1) by breaching the six‑month sitting requirement. [1]
Jan 29, 2026 – Senior advocate Ningombam Bupenda Meitei represents the petitioner, while Deputy Solicitor‑General Kh. Samarjit and other counsel appear for the Union, underscoring the high‑profile legal battle over the assembly’s status. [1]
Jan 29, 2026 – Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma refers the case to a Division Bench for interpretation of Article 174, directing the Chief Justice to list the matter for hearing, signalling an imminent judicial ruling. [1]
Mar 31, 2026 (deadline) – The Kangpokpi District Internally Displaced Welfare Committee rejects the government’s resettlement deadline as unrealistic, demanding improved road infrastructure, adequate housing, and an increased ₹3 lakh assistance under PM Awas Yojana‑Gramin for displaced families. [1]
Future (date TBD) – The Division Bench hearing on the assembly dissolution petition is scheduled, with the outcome expected to determine whether President’s Rule continues or the assembly is dissolved for fresh elections. [1]