State of Manipur and 7 Ors vs Pheiroijam Heramani and 16 Ors
- Court
- Manipur High Court
Digitally signed by
KHOIROM
BIPINCHANDRA
SINGH
Date: 2026.05.19
14:04:17 +05'30'
KHOIROM
BIPINCHAN
DRA SINGH
REPORTABLE
IN THE HIGH COURT OF MANIPUR
AT IMPHAL
REVIEW PETITION No. 33 of 2025
[Ref.: W.A. No. 9 of 2024]
1. The State of Manipur represented by the
Commissioner/Secretary (RD & PR), Government of
Manipur, New Secretariat, North Block, Imphal West,
Manipur – 795001.
2. The Director (RD & PR), Manipur, having its office at Old
Secretariat, South Block, P.O. & P.S. Imphal, Imphal
West District, Manipur – 795001.
3. The Deputy Commissioner, Thoubal, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Thoubal, Thoubal District, Manipur
– 795138.
4. The Deputy Commissioner, Bishnupur, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Bishnupur, Bishnupur District,
Manipur – 795126.
5. The Deputy Commissioner, Imphal East, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
6. The Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West, Government
of Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Imphal, Imphal West District,
Manipur -795001.
7. The Deputy Commissioner, Jiribam, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Jiribam, Jiribam District, Manipur –
795116.
8. The Deputy Commissioner, Kakching, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Kakching, Kakching District,
Manipur – 795103.
… Review Petitioners
- Versus -
1. Shri Pheiroijam Heramani, aged about 50 years old, S/o.
Ph. Biramani, a resident of Charangpat Mamang Leikai,
P.O. & P.S. Thoubal, Thoubal District, Manipur –
795138.
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2. Shri Sorokhaibam Imo Singh, aged about 55 years old,
S/o. Sorokhaibam Budhi Singh, a resident of Charangpat
Mayai Leikai, Charangpat Mamang, P.O. & P.S. Thoubal,
Thoubal District, Manipur – 795138.
3. Shri Naorem Pradeep Singh aged about 40 years old,
S/o. Naorem Inaobi Singh, a resident of Tentha Khunjao
Naorem Leikai, Tentha, P.O. Wangjing & P.S.
Khongjom, Thoubal District, Manipur – 795148.
4. Shri Lourembam Rameshwar Singh, aged about 61
years old, S/o. Lourembam Gulamjat Singh, a resident
of Moirangkampu Mayai Leikai, P.O. & P.S. Porompat,
Imphal East District, Manipur – 795005.
5. Shri Leimram Rajen Singh, aged about 64 years old, S/o.
Leimram Iboton Singh, a resident of Khurai Konsam
Leikai, P.O. Lamlong & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East
District, Manipur – 795010.
6. Shri Ngangom John Meetei, aged about 52 years old,
S/o. Ng. Lalmani Singh, a resident of Khurai Thongam
Leikai, P.O. Lamlong & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East
District, Manipur – 795010.
7. Smt. Aheibam Sunanta Devi @ Ngairangbam Sunanta
Devi, aged about 50 years old, W/o. Aheibam Sharat
Singh, a resident of Langthabal Mantrikhong Mayai
Leikai, Langthabal, P.O. Canchipur & P.S. Singjamei,
Imphal West District, Manipur – 795003.
8. Shri Laishram Menjor Singh, aged about 53 years old,
S/o. L. Rajmohon Singh, resident of Nachou Awang
Leikai, Ward No. 2, P.O. P.S. & District, Bishnupur,
Manipur – 795126.
9. Smt. L. Kananbala Devi, aged about 55 years, W/o, L.
Subashchandra Singh, resident of Khurai Chingangbam
Leikai, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
10. Shri Shanamatum Singh, aged about 43 years, S/o. Kh.
Ibo Singh, resident of Ngaikhong Khullen Maning Leikai,
P.O. P.S. & District Bishnupur, Manipur – 795126.
… Respondents
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11. Shri Mutum Boren Singh, aged about 52 years, resident
of Kwakeithel Laishram Leikai, Imphal, P.O. Imphal HO,
District – Imphal West, Manipur – 795001.
12. Shri Konjengbam Jayenta Singh aged about 50 years S/o
Konjengbam Laimani Singh of Kwakeithel Konjeng Leikai,
Imphal, Imphal West, Manipur – 795001.
13. Shri Chongtham Ranjan Singh, aged about 40 years, S/o
Chongtham Budhichandra Singh of Heirangoithong
Naoriya Pakhanglakpa Leikai, Imphal, Imphal West,
Manipur – 795001.
14. Shri Laishram Johnson Singh, aged about 34 years, S/o.
L. Somorendro Singh, Malom Tuliyaima Awang Leikai,
Malom Tuliyaima, P.O. Tulihal, District - Imphal West,
Manipur – 795140.
15. Shri Thoudam Apollo Mangang, aged about 34 years, S/o
Thoudam Angousana Manang of Kodompokpi Mamang
Leikai, Kodompokpi, Imphal West, Manipur – 795009.
16. Shri Loitongbam Herojit Singh, aged about 38 years, S/o
Loitongbam Amuba Singh of Hiyangthang Mayai Leikai,
Hiyangthang, Imphal West, Manipur – 795009.
17. Shri Sapam Jiten Singh, aged about 42 years, S/o Sapam
Jugeshwor Singh of Langthabal Lep Awang Leikai,
Canchipur, Manipur University, Imphal West, Manipur –
795003.
…. Proforma Respondents
REVIEW PETITION NO. 34 OF 2025
[Ref.: W.A. No. 10 of 2024]
1. The State of Manipur represented by the
Commissioner/Secretary (RD & PR), Government of
Manipur, New Secretariat, North Block, Imphal West,
Manipur – 795001.
2. The Director (RD & PR), Manipur, having its office at Old
Secretariat, South Block, P.O. & P.S. Imphal, Imphal
West District, Manipur – 795001.
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
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3. The Deputy Commissioner, Thoubal, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Thoubal, Thoubal District, Manipur
– 795138.
4. The Deputy Commissioner, Bishnupur, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Bishnupur, Bishnupur District,
Manipur – 795126.
5. The Deputy Commissioner, Imphal East, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
6. The Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West, Government
of Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Imphal, Imphal West District,
Manipur -795001.
7. The Deputy Commissioner, Jiribam, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Jiribam, Jiribam District, Manipur –
795116.
8. The Deputy Commissioner, Kakching, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Kakching, Kakching District,
Manipur – 795103.
… Review Petitioners
- Versus -
1. Shri Pheiroijam Heramani, aged about 50 years old, S/o.
Ph. Biramani, a resident of Charangpat Mamang Leikai,
P.O. & P.S. Thoubal, Thoubal District, Manipur –
795138.
2. Shri Sorokhaibam Imo Singh, aged about 55 years old,
S/o. Sorokhaibam Budhi Singh, a resident of Charangpat
Mayai Leikai, Charangpat Mamang, P.O. & P.S. Thoubal,
Thoubal District, Manipur – 795138.
3. Shri Naorem Pradeep Singh aged about 40 years old,
S/o. Naorem Inaobi Singh, a resident of Tentha Khunjao
Naorem Leikai, Tentha, P.O. Wangjing & P.S.
Khongjom, Thoubal District, Manipur – 795148.
4. Smt. Khangembam Manishang Devi aged about 51 years
old, W/o Khangembam Priyojit Singh, a resident of
Tentha Khongbal Mayai Leikai, Tentha, P.O. Wangjing &
P.S. Khongjom, Thoubal District, Manipur – 795148.
5. Shri Ngangom John Meetei, aged about 52 years old,
S/o. Ng. Lalmani Singh, a resident of Khurai Thongam
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Leikai, P.O. Lamlong & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East
District, Manipur – 795010.
6. Mrs. Wahida Banu aged about 47 years old, W/o
Kamarudin, a resident of Yairipok Changamdabi Makha
Leikai, P.O. & P.S. Yairipok, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795149.
7. Md. Fazlur Rahman aged about 49 years old, S/o. Md.
Babu Khan, a resident of Kshetri Bengoon Mayai Leikai,
Kshetrigao, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
8. Mrs. Muktiyar aged about 52 years old, W/o Md.
Basiruddin, a resident of Urup Khunnou Makha Leikai,
P.O. Lilong & P.S. Irilbung, Imphal East District, Manipur
795130.
9. Shri Kangabam Chourajit Singh aged about 50 years old,
S/o Kangabam Noyon Singh of Langdum Maning Leikai,
P.O. Singjamei & P.S. Irilbung, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795008.
10. Md. Saphauddin aged about 32 years old, S/o. Md.
Ziaoddin of Kiyamgei Awang Leikai, Kiyangmei Muslim,
P.O. Canchipur & P.S. Irilbung, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795003.
11. Abdul Khalique aged about 58 years old, S/o Abdur
Rahaman, a resident of Yairipok Tulihal Toupokpi Leikai,
P.O. & P.S. Yairipok, Imphal East District, Manipur –
795149.
12. The Manipur State Election Commission represented by
Secretary, the Manipur State Election Commission,
Office at Lamphelpat, P.O. & P.S. Lamphel, Imphal West
District, Manipur – 795004.
…. Respondents
REVIEW PETITION NO. 35 OF 2025
[Ref.: W.A. No. 11 of 2024]
1. The State of Manipur represented by the
Commissioner/Secretary (RD & PR), Government of
Manipur, New Secretariat, North Block, Imphal West,
Manipur – 795001.
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2. The Director (RD & PR), Manipur having its office at Old
Secretariat, South Block, P.O. & P.S. Imphal, Imphal
West District, Manipur – 795001.
3. The Deputy Commissioner, Imphal East, SIRD Complex,
Porompat, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
…. Review Petitioners
- Versus -
1. Md. Fazlur Rahman aged about 49 years old, S/o. Md.
Babu Khan, a resident of Kshetri Bengoon Mayai Leikai,
Kshetrigao, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
2. Md. Najimuddin aged about 41 years old, S/o. Mazid, a
resident of Kshetri Bengoon Makha Leikai, Kshetrigao,
P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District, Manipur –
795005.
3. Mrs. Ibemma aged about 41 years old, W/o. Md. Khalil
Shah, a resident of Kshetri Awang Leikai, Kshtrigao, P.O.
& P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District, Manipur –
795005.
4. Md. Qutub Ali, aged about 49 years old, S/o. Muhammad
Ahamed Ali, a resident of Kshetri Mayai Leikai,
Kshetrigao, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
5. Mrs. Taslima Begum, aged about 43 years old, W/o. Md.
Ziyauddin Khan, a resident of Kshetri Makha Leikai,
Kshetrigao, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
6. Wajida Benu aged about 47 years old, W/o. Kamarudin,
a resident of Yairipok Changamdabi Makha Leikai, P.O.
& P.S. Yairipok, Imphal East District, Manipur – 795149.
…. Respondents
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REVIEW PETITION NO. 37 OF 2025
[Ref.: W.A. No. 11 of 2024]
1. Laishram Nabakumar Singh, aged about 59 years, S/o
(L) Laishram Yaima Singh, a resident of Luker Maning
Leikai, P.O. Langjing & P.S. Patsoi, Imphal West
District, Manipur – 795113.
2. Arambam Sundarlal Singh, aged about 54, S/o. (L) A.
Mangi Singh, a resident of Langthabal Mantrimakhong
Awang Leikai, P.O. Singjamei, P.S. Singjamei, Imphal
West District, Manipur – 795003.
3. Laishram Boby Devi, aged about 46 years, C/o (L)
Laishram Ibochaoba Singh, a resident of Khongampat
Awang Leikai, P.O. Mantripukhri & P.S. Sekmai, Imphal
West District, Manipur – 795002.
4. Moirangthem Rajmani Singh, aged about 49 years, S/o
Moirangthem Tombi Singh, a resident of Heirok Part –
I, P.O. Wangjing & P.S. Heirok, Thoubal District,
Manipur – 795148.
5. Khudrakpam Sobha Singh, aged about 47 years, S/o
Khudrakpam Pishak Singh, a resident of Yairipok
Malom, P.O. & P.S. Yairipok, Thoubal Disttrict, Manipur
– 795149.
6. Salam Kumar Meitei, aged about 58 years, S/o Salam
Tombi Meitei, a resident of Yairipok Khoirom Mathak
Leikai, P.O. & P.S. Yairipok, Thoubal District, Manipur
– 795149.
7. Oinam Sharatchandra Singh, aged about 52 years, S/o
Oinam Rupachandra Singh, a resident of
Heirangoithong Maibam Leikai, P.O. & P.S. Singjamei,
Imphal West District, Manipur – 795008.
8. Waikhom Chandrakumar Meitei, aged about 46 years,
S/o W. Machaton Meitei, a resident of Khongampat
Khunou P.O. Mantripukhri & P.S. Sekmai Imphal West
District, Manipur – 795002.
9. Thongam Indrajit Singh, aged about 59 years, S/o Th
(L) Gouro Singh, a resident of Singjamei Khongnang
Pheidekpi, P.O. & P.S. Singjamei, Imphal West District,
Manipur – 795008.
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10. Naorem Brucelee Meitei, aged about 49 years, S/o (L)
N. Ibomcha Meitei, a resident of Singjamei Makha
Naorem Leikai, P.O. Canchipur P.S. Singjamei, Imphal
West District, Manipur -795003.
…. Petitioners
- Versus -
1. The State of Manipur represented by the
Commissioner/Secretary (RD & PR), Government of
Manipur, New Secretariat, North Block, Imphal West,
Manipur – 795001.
2. The Director (RD & PR), Manipur having its office at
Old Secretariat, South Block, P.O. & P.S. Imphal,
Imphal West District, Manipur – 795001.
3. The Deputy Commissioner, Imphal East SIRD Complex,
Porompat, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
….Respondents
4. Md. Fazlur Rahman, aged about 49 years old, S/o Md.
Babu Khan, a resident of Kshetri Bengoon Mayai Leikai,
Kshtrigao, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
5. Md. Najimuddin, aged about 41 years, S/o. Mazid, a
resident of Kshtri Bengoonmakha Leikai, Kshetrigao,
P.O.& P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District, Manipur –
795005.
6. Mrs. Ibemma, aged about 41 years, W/o Md. Khalil
Shah, a resident of Kshetri Awang Leikai, Kshetrigao,
P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District, Manipur –
795005.
7. Md. Qutub Ali, aged about 49 years, S/o Muhammad
Ahamed Ali, a resident of Kshtri Mayai Leikai,
Kshetrigao P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
8. Mrs. Taslima Begum aged about 43 years, W/o Md.
Ziyauddin Khan, a resident of Kshetri Makha Leikai,
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Kshetrigao, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
9. Wajida Benu, aged about 47 years, W/o Kamarudin, a
resident of Yairipok Changamdabi Makha Leikai, P.O.
& P.S. Yairipok, Imphal East District Manipur – 795149.
….Proforma Respondents
REVIEW PETITION NO. 38 OF 2025
[Ref.: W.A. No. 9 of 2024]
1. Laishram Nabakumar Singh, aged about 59 years, S/o
(L) Laishram Yaima Singh, a resident of Luker Maning
Leikai, P.O. Langjing & P.S. Patsoi, Imphal West
District, Manipur – 795113.
2. Arambam Sundarlal Singh, aged about 54, S/o. (L) A.
Mangi Singh, a resident of Langthabal Mantrimakhong
Awang Leikai, P.O. Singjamei, P.S. Singjamei, Imphal
West District, Manipur – 795003.
3. Laishram Boby Devi, aged about 46 years, C/o (L)
Laishram Ibochaoba Singh, a resident of Khongampat
Awang Leikai, P.O. Mantripukhri & P.S. Sekmai, Imphal
West District, Manipur – 795002.
4. Moirangthem Rajmani Singh, aged about 49 years, S/o
Moirangthem Tombi Singh, a resident of Heirok Part –
I, P.O. Wangjing & P.S. Heirok, Thoubal District,
Manipur – 795148.
5. Khudrakpam Sobha Singh, aged about 47 years, S/o
Khudrakpam Pishak Singh, a resident of Yairipok
Malom, P.O. & P.S. Yairipok, Thoubal Disttrict, Manipur
– 795149.
6. Salam Kumar Meitei, aged about 58 years, S/o Salam
Tombi Meitei, a resident of Yairipok Khoirom Mathak
Leikai, P.O. & P.S. Yairipok, Thoubal District, Manipur
– 795149.
7. Oinam Sharatchandra Singh, aged about 52 years, S/o
Oinam Rupachandra Singh, a resident of
Heirangoithong Maibam Leikai, P.O. & P.S. Singjamei,
Imphal West District, Manipur – 795008.
8. Waikhom Chandrakumar Meitei, aged about 46 years,
S/o W. Machaton Meitei, a resident of Khongampat
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Khunou P.O. Mantripukhri & P.S. Sekmai Imphal West
District, Manipur – 795002.
9. Thongam Indrajit Singh, aged about 59 years, S/o Th
(L) Gouro Singh, a resident of Singjamei Khongnang
Pheidekpi, P.O. & P.S. Singjamei, Imphal West District,
Manipur – 795008.
10. Naorem Brucelee Meitei, aged about 49 years, S/o (L)
N. Ibomcha Meitei, a resident of Singjamei Makha
Naorem Leikai, P.O. Canchipur P.S. Singjamei, Imphal
West District, Manipur -795003.
…. Petitioners
- Versus -
1. The State of Manipur represented by the
Commissioner/Secretary (RD & PR), Government of
Manipur, New Secretariat, North Block, Imphal West,
Manipur – 795001.
2. The Director (RD & PR), Manipur, having its office at Old
Secretariat, South Block, P.O. & P.S. Imphal, Imphal
West District, Manipur – 795001.
3. The Deputy Commissioner, Thoubal, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Thoubal, Thoubal District, Manipur
– 795138.
4. The Deputy Commissioner, Bishnupur, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Bishnupur, Bishnupur District,
Manipur – 795126.
5. The Deputy Commissioner, Imphal East, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
6. The Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West, Government
of Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Imphal, Imphal West District,
Manipur -795001.
7. The Deputy Commissioner, Jiribam, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Jiribam, Jiribam District, Manipur –
795116.
8. The Deputy Commissioner, Kakching, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Kakching, Kakching District,
Manipur – 795103.
…. Respondents
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9. Shri Mutum Boren Singh, aged about 52 years, resident
of Kwakeithel Laishram Leikai, Imphal, P.O. Imphal HO,
District – Imphal West, Manipur – 795001.
10. Shri Konjengbam Jayenta Singh aged about 50 years S/o
Konjengbam Laimani Singh of Kwakeithel Konjeng Leikai,
Imphal, Imphal West, Manipur – 795001.
11. Shri Chongtham Ranjan Singh, aged about 40 years, S/o
Chongtham Budhichandra Singh of Heirangoithong
Naoriya Pakhanglakpa Leikai, Imphal, Imphal West,
Manipur – 795001.
12. Shri Laishram Johnson Singh, aged about 34 years, S/o.
L. Somorendro Singh, Malom Tuliyaima Awang Leikai,
Malom Tuliyaima, P.O. Tulihal, District - Imphal West,
Manipur – 795140.
13. Shri Thoudam Apollo Mangang, aged about 34 years, S/o
Thoudam Angousana Manang of Kodompokpi Mamang
Leikai, Kodompokpi, Imphal West, Manipur – 795009.
14. Shri Loitongbam Herojit Singh, aged about 38 years, S/o
Loitongbam Amuba Singh of Hiyangthang Mayai Leikai,
Hiyangthang, Imphal West, Manipur – 795009.
15. Shri Sapam Jiten Singh, aged about 42 years, S/o Sapam
Jugeshwor Singh of Langthabal Lep Awang Leikai,
Canchipur, Manipur University, Imphal West, Manipur –
795003.
16. Shri Pheiroijam Heramani, aged about 50 years old, S/o.
Ph. Biramani, a resident of Charangpat Mamang Leikai,
P.O. & P.S. Thoubal, Thoubal District, Manipur –
795138.
17. Shri Sorokhaibam Imo Singh, aged about 55 years old,
S/o. Sorokhaibam Budhi Singh, a resident of Charangpat
Mayai Leikai, Charangpat Mamang, P.O. & P.S. Thoubal,
Thoubal District, Manipur – 795138.
18. Shri Naorem Pradeep Singh aged about 40 years old,
S/o. Naorem Inaobi Singh, a resident of Tentha Khunjao
Naorem Leikai, Tentha, P.O. Wangjing & P.S.
Khongjom, Thoubal District, Manipur – 795148.
19. Shri Lourembam Rameshwar Singh, aged about 61
years old, S/o. Lourembam Gulamjat Singh, a resident
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11
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of Moirangkampu Mayai Leikai, P.O. & P.S. Porompat,
Imphal East District, Manipur – 795005.
20. Shri Leimram Rajen Singh, aged about 64 years old, S/o.
Leimram Iboton Singh, a resident of Khurai Konsam
Leikai, P.O. Lamlong & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East
District, Manipur – 795010.
21. Shri Ngangom John Meetei, aged about 52 years old,
S/o. Ng. Lalmani Singh, a resident of Khurai Thongam
Leikai, P.O. Lamlong & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East
District, Manipur – 795010.
22. Smt. Aheibam Sunanta Devi @ Ngairangbam Sunanta
Devi, aged about 50 years old, W/o. Aheibam Sharat
Singh, a resident of Langthabal Mantrikhong Mayai
Leikai, Langthabal, P.O. Canchipur & P.S. Singjamei,
Imphal West District, Manipur – 795003.
23. Shri Laishram Menjor Singh, aged about 53 years old,
S/o. L. Rajmohon Singh, resident of Nachou Awang
Leikai, Ward No. 2, P.O. P.S. & District, Bishnupur,
Manipur – 795126.
24. Smt. L. Kananbala Devi, aged about 55 years, W/o, L.
Subashchandra Singh, resident of Khurai Chingangbam
Leikai, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
25. Shri Shanamatum Singh, aged about 43 years, S/o. Kh.
Ibo Singh, resident of Ngaikhong Khullen Maning Leikai,
P.O. P.S. & District Bishnupur, Manipur – 795126.
…. Proforma Respondents
REVIEW PETITION NO. 39 OF 2025
[Ref.: W.A. No. 10 of 2024]
1. Laishram Nabakumar Singh, aged about 59 years, S/o
(L) Laishram Yaima Singh, a resident of Luker Maning
Leikai, P.O. Langjing & P.S. Patsoi, Imphal West
District, Manipur – 795113.
2. Arambam Sundarlal Singh, aged about 54, S/o. (L) A.
Mangi Singh, a resident of Langthabal Mantrimakhong
Awang Leikai, P.O. Singjamei, P.S. Singjamei, Imphal
West District, Manipur – 795003.
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
12
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
3. Laishram Boby Devi, aged about 46 years, C/o (L)
Laishram Ibochaoba Singh, a resident of Khongampat
Awang Leikai, P.O. Mantripukhri & P.S. Sekmai, Imphal
West District, Manipur – 795002.
4. Moirangthem Rajmani Singh, aged about 49 years, S/o
Moirangthem Tombi Singh, a resident of Heirok Part –
I, P.O. Wangjing & P.S. Heirok, Thoubal District,
Manipur – 795148.
5. Khudrakpam Sobha Singh, aged about 47 years, S/o
Khudrakpam Pishak Singh, a resident of Yairipok
Malom, P.O. & P.S. Yairipok, Thoubal Disttrict, Manipur
– 795149.
6. Salam Kumar Meitei, aged about 58 years, S/o Salam
Tombi Meitei, a resident of Yairipok Khoirom Mathak
Leikai, P.O. & P.S. Yairipok, Thoubal District, Manipur
– 795149.
7. Oinam Sharatchandra Singh, aged about 52 years, S/o
Oinam Rupachandra Singh, a resident of
Heirangoithong Maibam Leikai, P.O. & P.S. Singjamei,
Imphal West District, Manipur – 795008.
8. Waikhom Chandrakumar Meitei, aged about 46 years,
S/o W. Machaton Meitei, a resident of Khongampat
Khunou P.O. Mantripukhri & P.S. Sekmai Imphal West
District, Manipur – 795002.
9. Thongam Indrajit Singh, aged about 59 years, S/o Th
(L) Gouro Singh, a resident of Singjamei Khongnang
Pheidekpi, P.O. & P.S. Singjamei, Imphal West District,
Manipur – 795008.
10. Naorem Brucelee Meitei, aged about 49 years, S/o (L)
N. Ibomcha Meitei, a resident of Singjamei Makha
Naorem Leikai, P.O. Canchipur P.S. Singjamei, Imphal
West District, Manipur -795003.
…. Petitioners
- Versus -
1. The State of Manipur represented by the
Commissioner/Secretary (RD & PR), Government of
Manipur, New Secretariat, North Block, Imphal West,
Manipur – 795001.
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
13
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
2. The Director (RD & PR), Manipur, having its office at Old
Secretariat, South Block, P.O. & P.S. Imphal, Imphal
West District, Manipur – 795001.
3. The Deputy Commissioner, Thoubal, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Thoubal, Thoubal District, Manipur
– 795138.
4. The Deputy Commissioner, Bishnupur, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Bishnupur, Bishnupur District,
Manipur – 795126.
5. The Deputy Commissioner, Imphal East, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
6. The Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West, Government
of Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Imphal, Imphal West District,
Manipur -795001.
7. The Deputy Commissioner, Jiribam, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Jiribam, Jiribam District, Manipur –
795116.
8. The Deputy Commissioner, Kakching, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Kakching, Kakching District,
Manipur – 795103.
9. The Manipur State Election Commission represented by
Secretary, the Manipur State Election Commission,
Office at Lamphelpat, P.O. & P.S. Lamphel, Imphal West
District, Manipur – 795004.
10. Shri Pheiroijam Heramani, aged about 50 years old, S/o.
Ph. Biramani, a resident of Charangpat Mamang Leikai,
P.O. & P.S. Thoubal, Thoubal District, Manipur –
795138.
11. Shri Sorokhaibam Imo Singh, aged about 55 years old,
S/o. Sorokhaibam Budhi Singh, a resident of Charangpat
Mayai Leikai, Charangpat Mamang, P.O. & P.S. Thoubal,
Thoubal District, Manipur – 795138.
12. Shri Naorem Pradeep Singh aged about 40 years old,
S/o. Naorem Inaobi Singh, a resident of Tentha Khunjao
Naorem Leikai, Tentha, P.O. Wangjing & P.S.
Khongjom, Thoubal District, Manipur – 795148.
13. Smt. Khangembam Manishang Devi aged about 51 years
old, W/o Khangembam Priyojit Singh, a resident of
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
14
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
Tentha Khongbal Mayai Leikai, Tentha, P.O. Wangjing &
P.S. Khongjom, Thoubal District, Manipur – 795148.
14. Shri Ngangom John Meetei, aged about 52 years old,
S/o. Ng. Lalmani Singh, a resident of Khurai Thongam
Leikai, P.O. Lamlong & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East
District, Manipur – 795010.
15. Mrs. Wahida Banu aged about 47 years old, W/o
Kamarudin, a resident of Yairipok Changamdabi Makha
Leikai, P.O. & P.S. Yairipok, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795149.
16. Md. Fazlur Rahman aged about 49 years old, S/o. Md.
Babu Khan, a resident of Kshetri Bengoon Mayai Leikai,
Kshetrigao, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
17. Mrs. Muktiyar aged about 52 years old, W/o Md.
Basiruddin, a resident of Urup Khunnou Makha Leikai,
P.O. Lilong & P.S. Irilbung, Imphal East District, Manipur
795130.
18. Shri Kangabam Chourajit Singh aged about 50 years old,
S/o Kangabam Noyon Singh of Langdum Maning Leikai,
P.O. Singjamei & P.S. Irilbung, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795008.
19. Md. Saphauddin aged about 32 years old, S/o. Md.
Ziaoddin of Kiyamgei Awang Leikai, Kiyamgei Muslim,
P.O. Canchipur & P.S. Irilbung, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795003.
20. Abdul Khalique aged about 58 years old, S/o Abdur
Rahaman, a resident of Yairipok Tulihal Toupokpi Leikai,
P.O. & P.S. Yairipok, Imphal East District, Manipur –
795149.
….Proforma Respondents
MC(REV. PET.) NO. 27 OF 2025
(Ref. : Review Petition No. 33 of 2025)
1. The State of Manipur represented by the
Commissioner/Secretary (RD & PR), Government of
Manipur, New Secretariat, North Block, Imphal West,
Manipur – 795001.
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
15
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
2. The Director (RD & PR), Manipur, having its office at Old
Secretariat, South Block, P.O. & P.S. Imphal, Imphal
West District, Manipur – 795001.
3. The Deputy Commissioner, Thoubal, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Thoubal, Thoubal District, Manipur
– 795138.
4. The Deputy Commissioner, Bishnupur, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Bishnupur, Bishnupur District,
Manipur – 795126.
5. The Deputy Commissioner, Imphal East, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
6. The Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West, Government
of Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Imphal, Imphal West District,
Manipur -795001.
7. The Deputy Commissioner, Jiribam, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Jiribam, Jiribam District, Manipur –
795116.
8. The Deputy Commissioner, Kakching, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Kakching, Kakching District,
Manipur – 795103.
…. Applicants
- Versus -
1. Shri Pheiroijam Heramani, aged about 50 years old, S/o.
Ph. Biramani, a resident of Charangpat Mamang Leikai,
P.O. & P.S. Thoubal, Thoubal District, Manipur –
795138.
2. Shri Sorokhaibam Imo Singh, aged about 55 years old,
S/o. Sorokhaibam Budhi Singh, a resident of Charangpat
Mayai Leikai, Charangpat Mamang, P.O. & P.S. Thoubal,
Thoubal District, Manipur – 795138.
3. Shri Naorem Pradeep Singh aged about 40 years old,
S/o. Naorem Inaobi Singh, a resident of Tentha Khunjao
Naorem Leikai, Tentha, P.O. Wangjing & P.S.
Khongjom, Thoubal District, Manipur – 795148.
4. Shri Lourembam Rameshwar Singh, aged about 61
years old, S/o. Lourembam Gulamjat Singh, a resident
of Moirangkampu Mayai Leikai, P.O. & P.S. Porompat,
Imphal East District, Manipur – 795005.
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
16
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
5. Shri Leimram Rajen Singh, aged about 64 years old, S/o.
Leimram Iboton Singh, a resident of Khurai Konsam
Leikai, P.O. Lamlong & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East
District, Manipur – 795010.
6. Shri Ngangom John Meetei, aged about 52 years old,
S/o. Ng. Lalmani Singh, a resident of Khurai Thongam
Leikai, P.O. Lamlong & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East
District, Manipur – 795010.
7. Smt. Aheibam Sunanta Devi @ Ngairangbam Sunanta
Devi, aged about 50 years old, W/o. Aheibam Sharat
Singh, a resident of Langthabal Mantrikhong Mayai
Leikai, Langthabal, P.O. Canchipur & P.S. Singjamei,
Imphal West District, Manipur – 795003.
8. Shri Laishram Menjor Singh, aged about 53 years old,
S/o. L. Rajmohon Singh, resident of Nachou Awang
Leikai, Ward No. 2, P.O. P.S. & District, Bishnupur,
Manipur – 795126.
9. Smt. L. Kananbala Devi, aged about 55 years, W/o, L.
Subashchandra Singh, resident of Khurai Chingangbam
Leikai, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
10. Shri Shanamatum Singh, aged about 43 years, S/o. Kh.
Ibo Singh, resident of Ngaikhong Khullen Maning Leikai,
P.O. P.S. & District Bishnupur, Manipur – 795126.
…. Respondents
11. Shri Mutum Boren Singh, aged about 52 years, resident
of Kwakeithel Laishram Leikai, Imphal, P.O. Imphal HO,
District – Imphal West, Manipur – 795001.
12. Shri Konjengbam Jayenta Singh aged about 50 years S/o
Konjengbam Laimani Singh of Kwakeithel Konjeng Leikai,
Imphal, Imphal West, Manipur – 795001.
13. Shri Chongtham Ranjan Singh, aged about 40 years, S/o
Chongtham Budhichandra Singh of Heirangoithong
Naoriya Pakhanglakpa Leikai, Imphal, Imphal West,
Manipur – 795001.
14. Shri Laishram Johnson Singh, aged about 34 years, S/o.
L. Somorendro Singh, Malom Tuliyaima Awang Leikai,
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
17
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
Malom Tuliyaima, P.O. Tulihal, District - Imphal West,
Manipur – 795140.
15. Shri Thoudam Apollo Mangang, aged about 34 years, S/o
Thoudam Angousana Manang of Kodompokpi Mamang
Leikai, Kodompokpi, Imphal West, Manipur – 795009.
16. Shri Loitongbam Herojit Singh, aged about 38 years, S/o
Loitongbam Amuba Singh of Hiyangthang Mayai Leikai,
Hiyangthang, Imphal West, Manipur – 795009.
17. Shri Sapam Jiten Singh, aged about 42 years, S/o Sapam
Jugeshwor Singh of Langthabal Lep Awang Leikai,
Canchipur, Manipur University, Imphal West, Manipur –
795003.
…. Proforma Respondents
MC(REV. PET.) NO. 28 OF 2025
(Ref. : Review Petition No. 34 of 2025)
1. The State of Manipur represented by the
Commissioner/Secretary (RD & PR), Government of
Manipur, New Secretariat, North Block, Imphal West,
Manipur – 795001.
2. The Director (RD & PR), Manipur, having its office at Old
Secretariat, South Block, P.O. & P.S. Imphal, Imphal
West District, Manipur – 795001.
3. The Deputy Commissioner, Thoubal, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Thoubal, Thoubal District, Manipur
– 795138.
4. The Deputy Commissioner, Bishnupur, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Bishnupur, Bishnupur District,
Manipur – 795126.
5. The Deputy Commissioner, Imphal East, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
6. The Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West, Government
of Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Imphal, Imphal West District,
Manipur -795001.
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
18
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
7. The Deputy Commissioner, Jiribam, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Jiribam, Jiribam District, Manipur –
795116.
8. The Deputy Commissioner, Kakching, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Kakching, Kakching District,
Manipur – 795103.
…. Applicants
- Versus -
1. Shri Pheiroijam Heramani, aged about 50 years old, S/o.
Ph. Biramani, a resident of Charangpat Mamang Leikai,
P.O. & P.S. Thoubal, Thoubal District, Manipur –
795138.
2. Shri Sorokhaibam Imo Singh, aged about 55 years old,
S/o. Sorokhaibam Budhi Singh, a resident of Charangpat
Mayai Leikai, Charangpat Mamang, P.O. & P.S. Thoubal,
Thoubal District, Manipur – 795138.
3. Shri Naorem Pradeep Singh aged about 40 years old,
S/o. Naorem Inaobi Singh, a resident of Tentha Khunjao
Naorem Leikai, Tentha, P.O. Wangjing & P.S.
Khongjom, Thoubal District, Manipur – 795148.
4. Smt. Khangembam Manishang Devi aged about 51 years
old, W/o Khangembam Priyojit Singh, a resident of
Tentha Khongbal Mayai Leikai, Tentha, P.O. Wangjing &
P.S. Khongjom, Thoubal District, Manipur – 795148.
5. Shri Ngangom John Meetei, aged about 52 years old,
S/o. Ng. Lalmani Singh, a resident of Khurai Thongam
Leikai, P.O. Lamlong & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East
District, Manipur – 795010.
6. Mrs. Wahida Banu aged about 47 years old, W/o
Kamarudin, a resident of Yairipok Changamdabi Makha
Leikai, P.O. & P.S. Yairipok, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795149.
7. Md. Fazlur Rahman aged about 49 years old, S/o. Md.
Babu Khan, a resident of Kshetri Bengoon Mayai Leikai,
Kshetrigao, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
19
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
8. Mrs. Muktiyar aged about 52 years old, W/o Md.
Basiruddin, a resident of Urup Khunnou Makha Leikai,
P.O. Lilong & P.S. Irilbung, Imphal East District, Manipur
795130.
9. Shri Kangabam Chourajit Singh aged about 50 years old,
S/o Kangabam Noyon Singh of Langdum Maning Leikai,
P.O. Singjamei & P.S. Irilbung, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795008.
10. Md. Saphauddin aged about 32 years old, S/o. Md.
Ziaoddin of Kiyamgei Awang Leikai, Kiyangmei Muslim,
P.O. Canchipur & P.S. Irilbung, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795003.
11. Abdul Khalique aged about 58 years old, S/o Abdur
Rahaman, a resident of Yairipok Tulihal Toupokpi Leikai,
P.O. & P.S. Yairipok, Imphal East District, Manipur –
795149.
12. The Manipur State Election Commission represented by
Secretary, the Manipur State Election Commission,
Office at Lamphelpat, P.O. & P.S. Lamphel, Imphal West
District, Manipur – 795004.
…. Respondents
MC(REV. PET.) NO. 29 OF 2025
(Ref. : Review Petition No. 35 of 2025)
1. The State of Manipur represented by the
Commissioner/Secretary (RD & PR), Government of
Manipur, New Secretariat, North Block, Imphal West,
Manipur – 795001.
2. The Director (RD & PR), Manipur, having its office at Old
Secretariat, South Block, P.O. & P.S. Imphal, Imphal
West District, Manipur – 795001.
3. The Deputy Commissioner, Imphal East, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
…. Applicants
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
20
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
- Versus -
1. Md. Fazlur Rahman aged about 49 years old, S/o. Md.
Babu Khan, a resident of Kshetri Bengoon Mayai Leikai,
Kshetrigao, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
2. Md. Najimuddin aged about 41 years old, S/o. Mazid, a
resident of Kshetri Bengoon Makha Leikai, Kshetrigao,
P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District, Manipur –
795005.
3. Mrs. Ibemma aged about 41 years old, W/o. Md. Khalil
Shah, a resident of Kshetri Awang Leikai, Kshtrigao, P.O.
& P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District, Manipur –
795005.
4. Md. Qutub Ali, aged about 49 years old, S/o. Muhammad
Ahamed Ali, a resident of Kshetri Mayai Leikai,
Kshetrigao, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
5. Mrs. Taslima Begum, aged about 43 years old, W/o. Md.
Ziyauddin Khan, a resident of Kshetri Makha Leikai,
Kshetrigao, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
6. Wajida Benu aged about 47 years old, W/o. Kamarudin,
a resident of Yairipok Changamdabi Makha Leikai, P.O.
& P.S. Yairipok, Imphal East District, Manipur – 795149.
…. Respondents
MC(REV. PET.) NO. 2 OF 2026
(Ref. : Review Petition No. 33 of 2025)
1. The State of Manipur represented by the
Commissioner/Secretary (RD & PR), Government of
Manipur, New Secretariat, North Block, Imphal West,
Manipur – 795001.
2. The Director (RD & PR), Manipur, having its office at Old
Secretariat, South Block, P.O. & P.S. Imphal, Imphal
West District, Manipur – 795001.
3. The Deputy Commissioner, Thoubal, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Thoubal, Thoubal District, Manipur
– 795138.
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
21
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
4. The Deputy Commissioner, Bishnupur, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Bishnupur, Bishnupur District,
Manipur – 795126.
5. The Deputy Commissioner, Imphal East, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
6. The Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West, Government
of Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Imphal, Imphal West District,
Manipur -795001.
7. The Deputy Commissioner, Jiribam, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Jiribam, Jiribam District, Manipur –
795116.
8. The Deputy Commissioner, Kakching, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Kakching, Kakching District,
Manipur – 795103.
…. Applicants
- Versus -
1. Shri Pheiroijam Heramani, aged about 50 years old, S/o.
Ph. Biramani, a resident of Charangpat Mamang Leikai,
P.O. & P.S. Thoubal, Thoubal District, Manipur –
795138.
2. Shri Sorokhaibam Imo Singh, aged about 55 years old,
S/o. Sorokhaibam Budhi Singh, a resident of Charangpat
Mayai Leikai, Charangpat Mamang, P.O. & P.S. Thoubal,
Thoubal District, Manipur – 795138.
3. Shri Naorem Pradeep Singh aged about 40 years old,
S/o. Naorem Inaobi Singh, a resident of Tentha Khunjao
Naorem Leikai, Tentha, P.O. Wangjing & P.S.
Khongjom, Thoubal District, Manipur – 795148.
4. Shri Lourembam Rameshwar Singh, aged about 61
years old, S/o. Lourembam Gulamjat Singh, a resident
of Moirangkampu Mayai Leikai, P.O. & P.S. Porompat,
Imphal East District, Manipur – 795005.
5. Shri Leimram Rajen Singh, aged about 64 years old, S/o.
Leimram Iboton Singh, a resident of Khurai Konsam
Leikai, P.O. Lamlong & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East
District, Manipur – 795010.
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
22
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
6. Shri Ngangom John Meetei, aged about 52 years old,
S/o. Ng. Lalmani Singh, a resident of Khurai Thongam
Leikai, P.O. Lamlong & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East
District, Manipur – 795010.
7. Smt. Aheibam Sunanta Devi @ Ngairangbam Sunanta
Devi, aged about 50 years old, W/o. Aheibam Sharat
Singh, a resident of Langthabal Mantrikhong Mayai
Leikai, Langthabal, P.O. Canchipur & P.S. Singjamei,
Imphal West District, Manipur – 795003.
8. Shri Laishram Menjor Singh, aged about 53 years old,
S/o. L. Rajmohon Singh, resident of Nachou Awang
Leikai, Ward No. 2, P.O. P.S. & District, Bishnupur,
Manipur – 795126.
9. Smt. L. Kananbala Devi, aged about 55 years, W/o, L.
Subashchandra Singh, resident of Khurai Chingangbam
Leikai, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
10. Shri Shanamatum Singh, aged about 43 years, S/o. Kh.
Ibo Singh, resident of Ngaikhong Khullen Maning Leikai,
P.O. P.S. & District Bishnupur, Manipur – 795126.
…. Respondents
11. Shri Mutum Boren Singh, aged about 52 years, resident
of Kwakeithel Laishram Leikai, Imphal, P.O. Imphal HO,
District – Imphal West, Manipur – 795001.
12. Shri Konjengbam Jayenta Singh aged about 50 years S/o
Konjengbam Laimani Singh of Kwakeithel Konjeng Leikai,
Imphal, Imphal West, Manipur – 795001.
13. Shri Chongtham Ranjan Singh, aged about 40 years, S/o
Chongtham Budhichandra Singh of Heirangoithong
Naoriya Pakhanglakpa Leikai, Imphal, Imphal West,
Manipur – 795001.
14. Shri Laishram Johnson Singh, aged about 34 years, S/o.
L. Somorendro Singh, Malom Tuliyaima Awang Leikai,
Malom Tuliyaima, P.O. Tulihal, District - Imphal West,
Manipur – 795140.
15. Shri Thoudam Apollo Mangang, aged about 34 years, S/o
Thoudam Angousana Manang of Kodompokpi Mamang
Leikai, Kodompokpi, Imphal West, Manipur – 795009.
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
23
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
16. Shri Loitongbam Herojit Singh, aged about 38 years, S/o
Loitongbam Amuba Singh of Hiyangthang Mayai Leikai,
Hiyangthang, Imphal West, Manipur – 795009.
17. Shri Sapam Jiten Singh, aged about 42 years, S/o Sapam
Jugeshwor Singh of Langthabal Lep Awang Leikai,
Canchipur, Manipur University, Imphal West, Manipur –
795003.
…. Proforma Respondents
MC(REV. PET.) NO. 3 OF 2026
(Ref. : Review Petition No. 33 of 2025)
1. Shri Pheiroijam Heramani, aged about 50 years old, S/o.
Ph. Biramani, a resident of Charangpat Mamang Leikai,
P.O. & P.S. Thoubal, Thoubal District, Manipur –
795138.
2. Shri Sorokhaibam Imo Singh, aged about 55 years old,
S/o. Sorokhaibam Budhi Singh, a resident of Charangpat
Mayai Leikai, Charangpat Mamang, P.O. & P.S. Thoubal,
Thoubal District, Manipur – 795138.
3. Shri Naorem Pradeep Singh aged about 40 years old,
S/o. Naorem Inaobi Singh, a resident of Tentha Khunjao
Naorem Leikai, Tentha, P.O. Wangjing & P.S.
Khongjom, Thoubal District, Manipur – 795148.
4. Shri Ngangom John Meetei, aged about 52 years old,
S/o. Ng. Lalmani Singh, a resident of Khurai Thongam
Leikai, P.O. Lamlong & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East
District, Manipur – 795010.
…. Applicants
- Versus -
1. The State of Manipur represented by the
Commissioner/Secretary (RD & PR), Government of
Manipur, New Secretariat, North Block, Imphal West,
Manipur – 795001.
2. The Director (RD & PR), Manipur, having its office at Old
Secretariat, South Block, P.O. & P.S. Imphal, Imphal
West District, Manipur – 795001.
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
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3. The Deputy Commissioner, Thoubal, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Thoubal, Thoubal District, Manipur
– 795138.
4. The Deputy Commissioner, Bishnupur, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Bishnupur, Bishnupur District,
Manipur – 795126.
5. The Deputy Commissioner, Imphal East, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
6. The Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West, Government
of Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Imphal, Imphal West District,
Manipur -795001.
7. The Deputy Commissioner, Jiribam, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Jiribam, Jiribam District, Manipur –
795116.
8. The Deputy Commissioner, Kakching, Government of
Manipur, P.O. & P.S. Kakching, Kakching District,
Manipur – 795103.
…. Respondents
9. Shri Lourembam Rameshwar Singh, aged about 61
years old, S/o. Lourembam Gulamjat Singh, a resident
of Moirangkampu Mayai Leikai, P.O. & P.S. Porompat,
Imphal East District, Manipur – 795005.
10. Shri Leimram Rajen Singh, aged about 64 years old, S/o.
Leimram Iboton Singh, a resident of Khurai Konsam
Leikai, P.O. Lamlong & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East
District, Manipur – 795010.
11. Smt. Aheibam Sunanta Devi @ Ngairangbam Sunanta
Devi, aged about 50 years old, W/o. Aheibam Sharat
Singh, a resident of Langthabal Mantrikhong Mayai
Leikai, Langthabal, P.O. Canchipur & P.S. Singjamei,
Imphal West District, Manipur – 795003.
8. Shri Laishram Menjor Singh, aged about 53 years old,
S/o. L. Rajmohon Singh, resident of Nachou Awang
Leikai, Ward No. 2, P.O. P.S. & District, Bishnupur,
Manipur – 795126.
9. Smt. L. Kananbala Devi, aged about 55 years, W/o, L.
Subashchandra Singh, resident of Khurai Chingangbam
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
25
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
Leikai, P.O. & P.S. Porompat, Imphal East District,
Manipur – 795005.
10. Shri Shanamatum Singh, aged about 43 years, S/o. Kh.
Ibo Singh, resident of Ngaikhong Khullen Maning Leikai,
P.O. P.S. & District Bishnupur, Manipur – 795126.
11. Shri Mutum Boren Singh, aged about 52 years, resident
of Kwakeithel Laishram Leikai, Imphal, P.O. Imphal HO,
District – Imphal West, Manipur – 795001.
12. Shri Konjengbam Jayenta Singh aged about 50 years S/o
Konjengbam Laimani Singh of Kwakeithel Konjeng Leikai,
Imphal, Imphal West, Manipur – 795001.
13. Shri Chongtham Ranjan Singh, aged about 40 years, S/o
Chongtham Budhichandra Singh of Heirangoithong
Naoriya Pakhanglakpa Leikai, Imphal, Imphal West,
Manipur – 795001.
14. Shri Laishram Johnson Singh, aged about 34 years, S/o.
L. Somorendro Singh, Malom Tuliyaima Awang Leikai,
Malom Tuliyaima, P.O. Tulihal, District - Imphal West,
Manipur – 795140.
15. Shri Thoudam Apollo Mangang, aged about 34 years, S/o
Thoudam Angousana Manang of Kodompokpi Mamang
Leikai, Kodompokpi, Imphal West, Manipur – 795009.
16. Shri Loitongbam Herojit Singh, aged about 38 years, S/o
Loitongbam Amuba Singh of Hiyangthang Mayai Leikai,
Hiyangthang, Imphal West, Manipur – 795009.
17. Shri Sapam Jiten Singh, aged about 42 years, S/o Sapam
Jugeshwor Singh of Langthabal Lep Awang Leikai,
Canchipur, Manipur University, Imphal West, Manipur –
795003.
…. Proforma Respondents
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
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B E F O R E
HON’BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE MR. M. SUNDAR
HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE A. GUNESHWAR SHARMA
For the petitioner : Mr. R. Venkataramani, Attorney
General for India
Mr. Lenin Hijam, Advocate
General of Manipur
Mr. S. Chittaranjan, Additional
Advocate General assisted by
Mr. O. Ratankumar, Advocate
[State of Manipur]
[in Rev. Pet. No. 33 of 2025, Rev.
Pet. No. 34 of 2025 and Rev. Pet.
No. 35 of 2025]
: Mr. S. Biswajit, Senior Advocate
assisted by Mr. Prabirkumar,
Advocate and Mr. Sanatomba,
Advocate
in Rev. Pet. No. 37 of 2025, Rev.
[
Pet. No. 38 of 2025 and Rev. Pet.
No. 39 of 2025 ]
For the respondents : Mr. HS. Paonam, Senior
Advocate assisted by Mr. A.
Arunkumar, Advocate
: Mr. Ch. Momon, Advocate
[State Election Commission]
: Ms. L. Ayangleima, Advocate
Dates of hearing : 15.12.2025, 12.01.2026,
23.01.2026, 20.02.2026,
25.02.2026, 13.03.2026,
02.04.2026, 16.04.2026,
28.04.2026, 06.05.2026
Date of judgment & order : 19.05.2026
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
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JUDGMENT & ORDER
(CAV)
[A. Guneshwar Sharma, J]
[1] REV. PET. No. 33 of 2025, REV. PET. No. 34 of 2025 and
REV. PET. No. 35 of 2025 are preferred by State of Manipur and REV.
PET. No. 37 of 2025, REV. PET. No. 38 of 2025 and REV. PET. No. 39
of 2025 are preferred by third party review petitioners against the
common judgment and order dated 29.08.2025 passed by Division
Bench of this Court in writ appeals being W.A. No. 9 of 2024, W.A.
No. 10 of 2024 and W.A. No. 2011. Brief facts of the present review
petitions (hereinafter referred to as ‘RPs’) and all miscellaneous cases
(hereinafter referred to as ‘MCs’) sans details are as follows:
th
[2] The term of 5 Manipur Panchayat Election held in the
year 2017 expired in the year 2022. Some of the elected members of
Gram Panchayat (hereinafter referred to as ‘GP’) and Zila Parishad
(hereinafter referred to as ‘ZP’) whose tenure have already expired in
the year 2022, in 6 (six) districts of Manipur namely, Imphal East,
Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching & Jiribam filed 3 (three)
writ petitions being W.P.(C) 205 of 2023, W.P.(C) No. 266 of 2023
and W.P.(C) No. 239 of 2023 inter alia praying for a direction that
they may be allowed to continue to function till elections are held for
th
the new Panchayat i.e., 6 Panchayat. Vide common judgment and
order dated 18.04.2023, Hon’ble Single Judge of this Court permitted
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
28
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
the outgoing members to function till elections are held for the next
Panchayat as done in the case of 27 Urban Local Bodies as per order
dated 19.01.2023 in W.P.(C) No. 935 of 2022. Being aggrieved by the
common judgment and order, dated 18.04.2023, the State preferred
3 (three) writ appeals, being W.A. No. 9 of 2024 [arising out of
W.P.(C) No. 205 of 2025], W.A. No. 10 of 2024 [arising out of W.P.(C)
No. 266 of 2023] and W.A. No. 11 of 2024 [arising out of W.P.(C) No.
239 of 2023]. Main ground for filing the appeals is that the provisions
of Section 22 of the the Act [i.e., The Manipur Panchayati Raj Act,
1994, (26 of 1994)] will not be applicable for continuation of the
th
tenure of the 5 Panchayat whose tenure has already expired in the
year 2022 beyond stipulated period of 5 (five) years. In the appeal,
the Hon’ble Division Bench of this Court framed 6 (six) questions of
law for consideration as below:
I. Whether the tenure of the Panchayat bodies established
under Manipur Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 (in short The Act)
can be extended beyond the stipulated period of 5(five)
years by Section 20 of the Act as well as in violation of the
mandate of the Article 243E of the Constitution of India?
II. Whether Section 22 of the the Act is transitionary or
permanent in nature?
III. Who are competent to be appointed as members of the
Administrative Committees within the meaning of Section
22(1) of the Act?
IV. Whether the tenure of the elected members of the
Panchayat be extended beyond 5(five) years period till the
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
29
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
elections are held in terms of the amended provision of
Section 22(3) of the Manipur Panchayati Raj (Amendment)
Act, 1996 [in short MPR (Amendment) Act, 1996]?
V. What is the scope of Section 109 of the MPR Act, 1994
providing power to remove difficulties?
VI. VI. Whether exercising power of the Section 109 of the
MPR Act, 1994 can the tenure of the existing elected
members or Administrative Committee for Gram
Panchayat established under Section 22(1)(b) read with
Section 22 (2) of the Act or Administrator for Zilla Parishad
under Section 92 of the Act, be appointed for a tenure
exceeding 6(six) months or till the elections are
conducted?
[3] Vide order dated 29.08.2025, Hon’ble Division Bench of
this Court allowed the appeal filed by the State of Manipur. The
conclusions and decisions of the judgment are reflected in paragraph
64 which is reproduced herein below:
‘ CONCLUSIONS AND DECISIONS
[64] In view of the above findings, observations and directions,
we hold and direct as follows:
i) The present writ appeals being W.A. No. 9 of 2024, W.A.
No. 10 of 2024 & W.A. No. 11 of 2024 are allowed and
the directions of the Ld. Single Judge to allow the
elected members to continue as members of Gram
Panchayat and Zila Parishad till the election are held,
are set aside.
ii) The tenure of Gram Panchayat cannot exceed the period
of 5(five) years as mandated by Article 243E of the
Constitution of India and Section 20 of the Manipur
Panchayati Raj Act, 1994.
iii) The provision of Section 22 of the Act is both
transitionary and permanent in nature.
iv) The amended provision of Section 22(3) of the Manipur
Panchayati Raj Act as amended in 1996 does not confer
any power to extend the tenure of the Gram Panchayat
beyond the stipulated period of 5 years or till the
election are conducted.
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
30
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
v) All voters in the Gram Panchayat are eligible to be
elected as members of the Administrative Committees
under Section 22 of the Act.
vi) When the elected members of the GP are appointed as
members of the Administrative Committees, they will be
eligible to exercise the functions and powers of the
Gram Panchayat under Section 22(3) of the Act.
vii) Section 109 of the Manipur Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 is
a general clause empowering the authority to remove
difficulties and in doing so, the Authority has no power
to appoint Administrative Committees beyond the period
of 6 months and/or till the election are notified.
viii) All orders of appointment of the Administrative
Committees of the Gram Panchayat and Administrator
for Zila Parishad, issued by State Govt. in pursuance of
the interim order dated 29.02.2024 for a term exceeding
the period of 6 (six) months and till the election are held,
are all set aside.
ix) All other orders of appointment of the Administrative
Committees of the Gram Panchayat and Administrator
for Zila Parishad, issued by State Govt. for a term
exceeding the period of 6 (six) months and till the
election are held, are also all set aside.
x) The State Govt. is directed to conduct fresh election
within a period of 6 months.
xi) Till the next election is conducted as directed in para (x)
above, the State Govt. is at liberty to appoint fresh
Administrative Committees for the Gram Panchayat and
Administrator for Zila Parishad in terms of the provisions
of Section 22, Section 92 and Section 109 of the Manipur
Panchayati Raj, Act 1994 for a period not exceeding 6
months.’
[4] State of Manipur filed 3 (three) review petitions being
REV. PET. No. 33 of 2025 [arising out of W.A. No. 9 of 2024], REV.
PET. No. 34 of 2025 [arising out of W.A. No. 10 of 2024] and REV.
PET. No. 35 of 2025 [arising out of W.A. No. 11 of 2024]. Main
grounds for filing the review petitions are:
Fixation of 6 (six) months period for
appointment of Administrative Committees under Section 109
taking cue from Section 22 of the Act is without judicial
mandate; direction to conduct elections within 6 (six) months
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
31
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
will be impracticable due to law and order issue, flooding or
natural disasters, delimitation exercises or resource
constraints; blanket invalidation of the appointments of
Administrative Committees for Gram Panchayats and
Administrators for Zila Parishads without examination of their
legaility or necessity, violates principles of natural justice;
administrative continuity in absence of elected bodies and
their sudden removal of such committees will break down at
the grassroot level; the direction in sub-paragraph (xi) of
paragraph 64 of the order under review empowering State to
appoint Administrative Committees for Gram Panchayats and
Administrators for Zila Parishad for a period not exceeding 6
(six) months timelines, has created an administrative and
policy road block for the Government. State Government also
sought for review and implementation of direction with
respect to tenure and power of Administrative Committees;
interpretation of Sections 22 and 109 of the Act to ensure
administrative continuity at local level.
[5] Some of the members of Administrative Committees
appointed by the State whose appointments were quashed by the
Division Bench of this Court vide order dated 29.08.2025, also filed 3
(three) review petitions being REV. PET. No. 37 of 2025 [arising out
of W.A. No. 11 of 2024], REV. PET. No. 38 of 2025 [arising out of
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
32
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
W.A. No. 9 of 2024] and REV. PET. No. 39 of 2025 [arising out of W.A.
No. 10 of 2024] with a limited prayer that they may be permitted to
continue as members of the Zila Parishads and Chairpersons of Gram
Panchayats till completion of works allocated to them; and also to
allow them to take up ongoing works under various schemes and
projects of ‘Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee
Scheme’ (‘MGNREGS’ for the sake of convenience) till new
Administrative Committees are constituted as per direction of this
Court in judgment and order dated 29.08.2025 (‘order under review’
for the sake of brevity) passed in W.A. No. 9 of 2024, W.A. No. 10 of
2024 and W.A. No. 11 of 2024.
[6] State of Manipur also filed miscellaneous application in
review petition being MC(REV. PET.) No. 2 of 2026 inter alia praying
for allowing them to appoint Administrative Committees for Zila
Parishads till elections are held. Private respondents who are original
writ petitioners, also filed a miscellaneous application in review
petition being MC(REV. PET.) No. 3 of 2026 for setting aside letter
dated 11.02.2026 and notification dated 16.02.2026 issued by the
Deputy Commissioners of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal,
Bishnupur, Kakching & Jiribam for initiating process for appointment
of Administrative Committees for the Gram Panchayats; as the same
are against the directions in sub-paragraph (x) and (xi) of paragraph
64 of the order under review of the Hon’ble Division Bench dated
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
33
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29.08.2025 in W.A. No. 9 of 2024, W.A. No. 10 of 2024 and W.A. No.
11 of 2024.
[7] MC(REV. PET.) No. 2 of 2026 is filed by the State inter
alia praying to restrict scope of review to sub-paragraph (x) of
paragraph 64 of the common judgment and order dated 29.08.2025;
and to clarify and suitably modify sub-paragraph (xi) of paragraph 64
of the common judgment and order to permit the State to appoint
Administrative Committees for Zila Parishads in accordance with law
under Section 109 of the Act till conduct of fresh elections.
[8] As recorded in paragraph 4 of order dated 15.12.2025,
Mr. R. Venkataramani, learned Attorney General for India restricted
the purview of the review to challenge sub-paragraph (viii), (ix), (x)
and (xi) of paragraph 64 of the common judgment and order dated
29.08.2025 in W.A. No. 9 of 2024, W.A. No. 10 of 2024 and W.A. No.
11 of 2024 and again in paragraph 6 of order dated 16.04.2026, Mr.
R. Venkataramani, learned Attorney General for India further
restricted the review to sub-paragraph (x) of Para No. 64 besides
touching upon sub-paragraph (xi). In view of the above, the subject
matter of review filed by State of Manipur, is now confined to sub-
paragraph Nos. (x) and (xi) of paragraph 64 of the common judgment
and order dated 29.08.2025 qua direction for holding election within
6 (six) months and appointment of Administrative Committees for
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
34
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
Gram Panchayat and Zila Parishad in terms of provision of Sections
22, 92 and 109 of the the Act.
[9] For the sake of clarity and better understanding, the
proceedings made by this Court in the earlier listings of review
petitions are reproduced herein below:
‘ 13.11.2025 .
This court is informed by Mr. I. Amri, learned State counsel
on record for review petitioners that Attorney General would be
appearing for the State review petitioners in the captioned matters
and on that basis requests for an adjournment.
List under the cause list caption ‘ADJOURNED ADMISSION’
in the daily cause list on 01.12.2025. ‘
‘ 01.12.2025 .
Matter mentioned at ‘half past ten’ .
[1] Learned Attorney General, Mr. R. Venkataramani is before
us on the Video Conferencing platform.
[2] Learned Advocate General, Mr. Lenin Hijam is before us in
the physical Court. Learned State counsel, Mr. Dimal Kumar Haobam
who is on record for the review petitioners submits that there is
some inconvenience for Attorney General in appearing in person in
these matters today and requests for re-scheduling of the captioned
matters to 15.12.2025.
[3] Request acceded to.
[4] List on 15.12.2025.’
‘15.12.2025
[1] Captioned 3 (three) review petitions have been filed by State
seeking review of a ‘common order dated 29.08.2025 made in Writ
Appeal Nos. 9, 10 and 11 of 2024’ (‘impugned order for the sake of
convenience). To be noted, the order sought to be reviewed is being
referred to as ‘impugned order’ for the sake of convenience as the
order is not assailed by State and State seeks only a review that too
a limited review about which there will be allusion infra.
[2] Learned Attorney General for India Mr. R. Venkataramani is
before us on the V.C. (Video Conferencing) platform. To be noted,
learned State Counsel Mr. O. Ratan Kumar who is in the physical
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
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court before us is the counsel on record for the review petitioner
and he is instructing learned Attorney General.
[3] Learned Attorney General submits that State is not assailing the
impugned order by carrying it to Hon’ble Supreme Court. This
submission is recorded.
[4] Learned Attorney General, adverting to paragraph No. 64 of the
impugned order submits that 11 (eleven) subparagraphs thereat
constitute the operative portion of the order and State in the
captioned review petition is seeking review of only 4 (four) out of
the 11 (eleven) sub-paragraphs viz., sub-paragraphs (viii) to (xi).
Axiomatically, State accepts sub-paragraphs (i) to (vii) and State is
giving legal quietus with regard to sub-paragraphs (i) to (vii) is
learned Attorney General’s further say.
[5] As regards the grounds of review, learned Attorney General
fairly submits that the case of State may not fall within the first two
categories viz., a) discovery of new/important matter and b)
mistake/error on the face of record and it is further submitted that
it would only fall within the third ground of any other sufficient
reason which necessarily has to be read in the context of the first
two grounds. It is submitted that the prevailing local scenario is
new/important matter discovery of which was not possible at the
time the impugnd order was made and that has necessitated the
captioned review. Elaborating on this, it is submitted that State is
under President’s Rule and therefore, conduct of fresh elections
within 6 (six) months at this juncture is not desirable and it may be
desirable to conduct fresh elections after a popular Government is
put in place or after the elapsing of the President’s Rule which will
be sometime in February, 2026.
[6] It is also submitted that with regard to 6 (six) months time
frame qua appointment of Administrative Committees and Gram
Panchayat Administrators, the feasibility of appointing new
Administrative Committees and Gram Panchayat Administrators is
being examined and the State will be able to revert to this Court on
the same in January when the Court reopens after winter vacation.
[7] In the light of submissions of learned Attorney General,
considering that State accepts impugnd order with the exception of
the 4 (four) sub-paragraphs in the operative portion, this Court
deems it appropriate to write that a prima facie case for issue of
notice has been made out in the captioned review petitions.
[8] It is deemed appropriate to write that the 4 Clauses (4
subparagraphs in paragraph 64 which is operative portion of
impugnd order) pertain to appointment of Administrative
Committees and Gram Panchayats Administrators made either
pursuant to the interim orders or in any other manner being set
aside, State Government being directed to conduct the elections
(local body elections) within a time frame of 6 (six) months and a
further directive which says that State Government is at liberty to
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
36
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
appoint fresh Administrative Committees and Gram Panchayats till
the election is conducted albeit within 6 (six) months. For the sake
of convenience, we deem it appropriate to extract and reproduce
the 4(four) sub-paragraphs qua which review is sought the same
read as follows :
‘(viii) All orders of appointment of the Administrative
Committee of the Gram Panchayat and Administrator for Zilla
Parishad, issued by State Govt. in pursuance of the interim
order dated 29.02.2024 for a term exceeding the period of 6
(six) months and till the election are held, are all set aside.
(ix) All other orders of appointment of the Administrative
Committee of the Gram Panchayat and Administrator for Zilla
Parishad, issued by State Govt. for a term exceeding the
period of 6 (six) months and till the election are held, are also
all set aside.
(x) The State Govt. is directed to conduct fresh election within
a period of 6 months.
(xi) Till the next election is conducted as directed in para (x)
above, the State Govt. is at liberty to appoint fresh
Administrative Committee for the Gram Panchayat and
Administrator for Zilla Parishad in terms of the provisions of
Section 22, Section 92 and Section 109 of the Manipur
Panchayati Raj, Act 1994 for a period not exceeding 6
months.’
[9] Issue notice to respondents in all 3 (three) captioned review
petitions and all the 3 (three) captioned MCs thereat.
[10] Mr. A. Arunkumar, learned counsel who is present in court
accepts notice for Respondent Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 6 in Review. Petition
No. 33 of 2025. Ms. L. Ayangleima, learned counsel who is present
in court accepts notice for Respondent Nos. 11 to 17 in Review.
Petition No. 33 of 2025 and Mr. Ch. Momon, learned counsel who is
present in court accepts notice for Respondent No. 12 in Review.
Petition No. 34 of 2025. As regards the other respondents and
respondents in Review Petition No. 35 of 2025, issue notice
returnable by 12.01.2026. Dasti service is also permitted.
[11] Mr. HS Paonam, learned senior advocate appearing on behalf
of Mr. A. Arunkumar who has accepted notice for Respondent Nos.
1, 2, 3 and 6 in Review. Petition No. 33 of 2025 submits on
instructions that contempt petition being Cont. Case(C) No. 140 of
2025 (already filed) will not be pursued and same can be kept in
abeyance until the captioned review petitions are decided one way
or the other. This submission made by learned senior advocate, on
instructions, at the Bar is recorded.
[12] List on 12.01.2026.’
‘12.01.2026
[1] Learned Attorney General for India Sri R. Venkataramani was
before this Court on the V.C. (Video Conferencing) platform and
senior advocate Mr. H.S. Paonam instructed by Mr. A. Arunkumar,
learned counsel on record for respondents No. 1, 2, 3 and 6 in
Review. Petition No. 33 of 2025; for the respondent Nos. 4 to 9 in
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
37
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
Review. Pet. No. 37 of 2025; for respondent Nos. 10, 11, 12, 14,
16, 17, 19 and 20 in Review. Pet. No. 39 of 2025 and for respondent
Nos. 16, 17, 18, 19 and 21 in Review. Pet. No. 38 of 2025 is before
us in the physical court. To be noted, learned Attorney General is
instructed by Ms. Thanyomi Keishing, learned State Counsel who is
before us in the physical court before this Court.
[2] Ms. Ayangleima, learned counsel for respondent Nos. 9 to 15 in
Review. Pet. No. 38 of 2025 and for respondent Nos. 11 to 17 in
Review. Pet. No. 33 of 2025 and Mr. W. Sanatomba Meitei, learned
counsel on record for review petitioners in Review. Petition Nos. 37,
38 and 39 of 2025 are before this Court in the physical court.
[3] Adverting to paragraph 6 of earlier proceedings of this Court
made in the listing on 15.12.2025, learned Attorney General for
India submitted that he has advised the Government and the same
is under active consideration. Let the suggested interim
arrangement be placed before this court by way of a State affidavit
(State Counsel undertakes to file on or before 15.01.2026 with
advance copies to all other counsel) as regards afore-referred
paragraph 6 of 15.12.2025 proceedings.
[4] As regards the main matters, it was submitted by counsel on
record on both sides that they may require some time to complete
pleadings so that there can be a productive hearing in the next
listing which will be on 23.01.2026 (Friday).
[5] List on 23.01.2026.’
‘ 23.01.2026
In the hearing today, learned Attorney General for India Shri
R. Venkataramani along with learned Advocate General Mr. Lenin
Hijam instructed by Ms. Thanyomi Keishing, learned Counsel for
State, Mr. H.S. Paonam, learned senior advocate instructed by Mr.
A. Arunkumar, learned counsel on record for respondent Nos. 1, 2,
3 and 6 in review petition No.33 of 2025; for the respondent Nos.
4 to 9 in Review Petn. No.37 of 2025; for respondent Nos. 10, 11,
12, 14, 16, 17 19 and 20 in Review. Petn. No.39 of 2025 and for
respondent Nos.16, 17, 18, 19 and 21 in Review Petn. No.38 of
2025; Mr.S. Biswajit, learned senior advocate instructed by Mr. W.
Sanatomba Meitei, learned counsel on record for review petitioner
in Review. Petn. No.37, 38 and 39 of 2025 and Ms. Ayangleima,
learned counsel for respondent Nos. 9 to 15 in Review Petn. No.38
of 2025 and for respondent Nos. 11 to 17 in Review. Petn. No.33 of
2025 are before this Court.
2. At the outset, adverting to the earlier proceedings of this Court
dated 12.01.2026 more particularly paragraph 3 thereat, learned
Attorney General submitted that State, on his advice suggested
some interim arrangement and the same has been placed before
this Court in the form of an affidavit dated 22.01.2026. Learned
Attorney General draws the attention of this Court to paragraphs 8-
10 of the said affidavit and submits that section 22 of Manipur
Panchayat Raj Act 1994 (Act 26 of 1994) read with section 109
would enable to put a place in principle whereby Deputy
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
38
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
Commissioners can be entrusted with the interim arrangement
duties. In response to this, learned senior counsel Mr. H.S. Paonam
and Mr. S. Biswajit submitted that they need to bring on record their
objections and both learned senior counsel submitted that their
respective instructing counsel/ counsel on record will bring on both
objections by way of reply affidavit.
3. In the interregnum, it was agreed by all the counsel before this
Court that there will be a pre hearing conference (pre hearing
conference learned Attorney General, all learned senior counsel,
State counsel and all counsel on record) and the purpose would be
to try and arrive at an interim arrangement which is acceptable to
all.
4. It was also agreed that the pre hearing conference will be at
11.00 a.m tomorrow (i.e., 24.01.2026 Saturday in Imphal). Learned
Advocate General graciously agreed to co-ordinate logistics of the
meeting.
5. Let the matter stand over to 24.02.2026 for objections to be
brought on record and for hearing on same.
6. Though obvious, this Court deems it appropriate to write that in
the interregnum if any interim arrangement is agreed upon i.e., if
any interim arrangement acceptable to all concerned is arrived at in
the pre hearing conference tomorrow, it would be open to the
parties to mention for having the matter listed for further orders in
this regard.
7. List on 24.02.2026.’
‘ 20.02.2026
[1] Matter mentioned at half past ten.
[2] Learned Attorney General for India Mr. R. Venkataramani
was before us on the Video Conferencing (V.C.) platform. Learned
State Counsel Mr. O. Ratan Kumar who is in the physical court is
instructing the learned Attorney General. To be noted, learned
Attorney General is appearing along with learned Advocate General
of State of Manipur Mr. Lenin Hijam, who is before us in physical
court.
[3] The request of learned State Counsel is to renotify the
captioned matters.
[4] Mr. HS Paonam, learned senior advocate instructed by Mr.
A. Arunkumar, learned counsel for respondents and Mr. S. Biswajit
Meitei, learned senior advocate instructed by Mr. W. Sanatomba,
learned counsel for review petitioners are also present in court.
[5] In the light of certain reservations expressed by learned
senior counsel Mr. HS Paonam, learned Attorney General in his usual
fairness submitted that the order that is sought to be reviewed is
an order dated 29.08.2025 being a common order made in 3 (three)
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
39
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
Writ Appeals viz., WA Nos. 9 to 11 of 2024, the sum and substance
or in other words, the crux and gravamen of this 29.08.2025 order
is given by way of a summation in paragraph 64 of the order vide
an adumbration of 11 (eleven) sub-paragraphs, as only review
applications are pending as of today and as there are no interim
orders, the 11 (eleven) sub-paragraphs of paragraph 64 which is
both summation of the order as well as the operative portion of the
order continue to operate and it will continue to operate until any
further orders are made by this Court subject only to any
proceedings/observations made by this Court thus far in the
captioned main matters. This stated position, puts to rest
apprehensions raised by Mr. HS Paonam, learned senior counsel.
[6] To be noted, main matters which were last listed on
23.02.2026 now stand over to 24.02.2026. Therefore, the captioned
cluster of matters will also now stand over to 24.02.2026.
[7] Re-notified at the request of learned State Counsel Mr. O.
Ratan Kumar.
[8] List on 24.02.2026.’
‘ 24.02.2026
[1] Matter mentioned at half past ten.
[2] Mr. O. Ratan Kumar, learned State Counsel requested for a
short accommodation stating that learned Attorney General for
India who is leading him will be in the midst of a hearing in Hon’ble
Supreme Court.
[3] Request acceded to.
[4] List tomorrow in the Special Bench at 2 P.M.
[5] List on 25.02.2026.’
‘ 25.02.2026
[1] Read this in conjunction with and in continuation of earlier
proceedings more particularly, the proceedings dated 23.01.2026.
[2] In the hearing today, learned Attorney General for India Shri
R. Venkataramani was before this Court on the Video Conferencing
(VC) platform and he is instructed by learned State Counsel Mr. O.
Ratan Kumar who is before us in the physical Court. Mr. HS Paonam,
learned senior advocate instructed by Mr. A. Arunkumar, Mr. S.
Biswajit Meitei, learned senior advocate instructed by Mr. W.
Sanatomba and Ms. Ayangleima, learned counsel for respondent
Nos. 9 to 15 in Review Petn. No.38 of 2025 and for respondent Nos.
11 to 17 in Review. Petn. No.33 of 2025 and Mr. Ch. Momon, learned
counsel for State Election Commission (State of Manipur) are before
this Court.
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
40
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
[3] After some arguments, it was submitted by all counsel that
the earlier pre-hearing conference held on 24.01.2026 in Imphal
remains inconclusive and that it is desirable to try and conclude the
same.
[4] Learned Attorney General for India, all the afore-referred
learned senior counsel, counsel, agreed to have another pre-hearing
conference in the ensuing Yaoshang holidays so as to come up with
possible suggestions. Though obvious, we make it clear that the
court will ultimately take a call qua any suggestion.
[5] In the interregnum, as regards State Election Commission,
(in the light of sub-paragraph (x) of paragraph 64 of the order
sought to be reviewed) shall place before this Court a timetable for
conducting the elections to the local bodies (Gram Panchayats and
Zilla Parishads) in the next listing. It is made clear that the timetable
shall give firm dates for various stages of the election process i.e.,
from Notification, polling declaration of results, etc.
[6] All the learned senior counsel and counsel very fairly
submitted that they would coordinate with the office of the learned
Attorney General regarding logistics of the meeting (pre-hearing
conference) and this Court is informed by learned Attorney General
that Advocate General for State of Manipur would also participate in
the meeting as in the previous meeting on 24.01.2026.
[7] Mr. Biswajit, learned senior counsel, on instructions,
submitted that he will place before this Court details of payments
that have to be made to contractors for work that has been done
hitherto.
[8] Let the matter stand over to 13.03.2026.
[9] List on 13.03.2026.’
‘13.03.2026
[1] Read this in conjunction with and in continuation of earlier
proceedings made in the previous listings, more particularly the
proceedings made in the previous listing on 25.02.2026 which reads
as follows:
‘25.02.2026
[1] Read this in conjunction with and in continuation of
earlier proceedings more particularly, the proceedings dated
23.01.2026.
[2] ………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………..
[8] ………………………………………………………………………..
[9] List on 13.03.2026.’
[2] In the hearing today, Mr. R. Venkatarami, learned Attorney
General for India instructed by Mr. Kartikay Agrawal, learned
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
41
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
counsel is before this Court on the Video Conferencing (VC)
platform, Mr. Lenin Hijam, learned Advocate General instructed by
Ms. Thanyomi Keishing, learned State counsel, Mr. HS Paonam,
learned senior counsel instructed by Mr. A. Arukumar, learned
counsel, Mr. S. Biswajit Meitei, learned senior counsel instructed by
Mr. W. Sanatomba and Ms. Ayangleima, learned counsel for
respondent Nos. 9 to 15 in Review Petn. No.38 of 2025 and for
respondent Nos. 11 to 17 in Review. Petn. No.33 of 2025 and Mr.
Ch. Momon, learned counsel for State Election Commission (State
of Manipur) are before this Court.
[3] Adverting to paragraph 4 of the earlier proceedings, learned
Attorney General for India and senior counsel/counsel before this
Court, submitted that a pre-hearing conference was held in New
Delhi on 09.03.2026 (Monday). It was submitted that a further
meeting here in Manipur with learned Advocate General and other
senior counsel/counsel, in continuation of earlier meeting is
necessary.
[4] After the meeting, if the afore-referred learned senior
counsel and counsel come up with suggestions/proposals, it is made
clear that the same will be considered by this Court, taking into
account larger public interest i.e., it would be considered without
restricting it or limiting it to the lis alone.
[5] Adverting to paragraph 5 of our earlier proceedings, Mr. Ch.
Momon, learned counsel for State Election Commission (State of
Manipur) submitted that the office of State Election Commissioner
is lying vacant. This Court finds that State Election Commission has
to be constituted by the Government. This is vide Section 98 of ‘the
Manipur Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 (26 of 1994)’ (hereinafter ‘said
Act’ for the sake of brevity), ‘Government’ is defined vide Section
2(g) of said Act and it is ‘State Government of Manipur’. Learned
Attorney General and Learned Advocate General fairly submitted
that they will play necessary advisory roles qua appointment of
State Election Commissioner.
[6] In the light of the narrative thus far, let this matter stand
over to 02.04.2026. To be noted, 02.04.2026 is a date agreed by
senior counsel and counsel before this Court and all counsel
requested for listing on 02.04.2026.
[7] List on 02.04.2026.’
‘02.04.2026
[1] Read this in conjunction with and in continuation of earlier
proceedings, more particularly, the proceedings made in the
previous listing on 13.03.2026.
[2] In the hearing today, Mr. Lenin Hijam, learned senior
counsel and learned Advocate General for State of Manipur
instructed by Mr. O. Ratan Kumar, learned State Counsel, Mr. HS
Paonam, learned senior counsel instructed by Mr. A. Arunkumar,
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
42
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
learned counsel on record, Mr. S. Biswajit Meitei, learned senior
counsel instructed by Mr. W. Sanatomba Meitei, learned counsel on
record, Mr. Ch. Momon, learned counsel for State Election
Commission (State of Manipur) are before us in the physical court
and Mr. Kartikay Agrawal, learned counsel from the office of the
learned Attorney General for India is before us on the Video
Conferencing (V.C.) platform.
[3] Adverting to earlier proceedings made in the previous listing
on 13.03.2026, all the learned senior counsel and counsel before us
submitted that a pre-hearing conference was held and another
sitting is scheduled to be held in Delhi on Sunday i.e., 05.04.2026.
All the learned senior counsel and learned counsel submitted that it
would be desirable to have the captioned matters listed on
16.04.2026.
[4] Be that as it may, paragraph 5 of proceedings made in the
previous listing on 13.03.2026 reads as follows :
‘ [5] Adverting to paragraph 5 of our earlier proceedings,
Mr. Ch. Momon, learned counsel for State Election
Commission (State of Manipur) submitted that the office of
State Election Commissioner is lying vacant. This Court
finds that State Election Commission has to be constituted
by the Government. This is vide Section 98 of ‘the Manipur
Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 (26 of 1994)’ (hereinafter ‘said
Act’ for the sake of brevity), ‘Government’ is defined vide
Section 2(g) of said Act and it is ‘State Government of
Manipur’. Learned Attorney General and Learned Advocate
General fairly submitted that they will play necessary
advisory roles qua appointment of State Election
Commissioner.’
[5] Adverting to afore-referred paragraph 5, learned Advocate
General, on instructions, submitted that the needful is being done,
the exercise is being taken forward and he is hopeful of having the
exercise completed at the earliest.
[6] In the light of the narrative thus far, list the captioned
matter before this Special Division Bench on 16.04.2026 at 2:00
P.M.’
‘16.04.2026
[1] Mr. R. Venkataramani, learned Attorney General for India
instructed by Mr. Kartikay Agrawal, learned counsel, Mr. Lenin Hijam,
learned Advocate General of Manipur instructed by Mr. O.
Ratankumar, learned State counsel, Mr. Dimalkumar Haobam,
learned State counsel, Mr. I. Amri, learned State counsel, Ms.
Sharmila Rahman, learned State counsel, Mr. S. Chittaranjan, learned
Additional Advocate General of Manipur for State of Manipur and Mr.
Ch. Momon, learned standing counsel for State Election
Commissioner, Manipur are before this Court (Physical Court).
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
43
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
[2] Mr. HS. Paonam, learned senior counsel instructed by Mr. A.
Arunkumar, learned counsel on record for respondent Nos. 1, 2, 3 &
6 in Review Petition No. 33 of 2025, Ms. Ayangleima, learned counsel
on record for respondent Nos. 11 to 17 in Review Petition No. 33 of
2025 and Mr. S. Biswajit, learned senior counsel instructed by Mr.
Sanatomba, learned counsel on record and Mr. H. Pravirkumar,
learned counsel on record for petitioners in Review Petition No. 37 of
2025, Review Petition No. 38 of 2025 and Review Petition No. 39 of
2025 are before this Court (Physical Court).
[3] Learned Attorney General for India continued and concluded
his submissions.
[4] The following 2 (two) points which are relevant to legal drill
at hand emerge:
(i) there is an amendment to ‘Manipur Panchayati Raj
Act, 1994 (26 of 1994)’ (‘said Act’ for the sake of
brevity and convenience). In and vide this
amendment 30 Sections i.e., Sections 110 to 139
have been added to the said Act and the same have
been slotted under Chapter – VI. These 30 Sections
kicked in i.e. came into force on or from 22.02.2023;
(ii) adverting to our earlier proceedings made in the
listing on 13.03.2026, more particularly paragraph 5
thereat, learned Attorney General for India on
instructions submitted that State Election
Commissioner has since been appointed vide an
order dated 15.04.2024 bearing reference No. Com-
3/2/2026/SEC-LAW. A scanned reproduction of this
order placed before this Court is as follows:
[5] The following 3(three) points unfurled in the hearing:
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
44
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
(i) as regards MC(REVIEW PET.) No. 2 of 2026 taken
out by State, learned Advocate General of Manipur
on instructions submitted that in limb No. (iii) of the
prayer the expression ‘till the conduct of fresh
election’ is not being pressed and that the same
can be treated as deleted. This submission is
recorded and MC(REVIEW PET.) No. 2 of 2026 will
now be considered on this basis;
(ii) adverting to sub-paragraph (x) of paragraph 64 of
order dated 29.08.2025 (order sought to be
reviewed), it was submitted by Mr. Ch. Momon,
learned standing counsel for State Election
Commissioner, Manipur that election for local bodies
will positively be conducted within 6 (six) months
from today i.e. on or before 16.10.2026. In this
regard, it was further submitted by learned standing
counsel that elections will be so conducted as per
amended said Act more particularly the amendment
qua tiers (3 tiers). It was also submitted by learned
standing counsel for State Election Commissioner,
Manipur that determination of elected members as
per Section 99 of the said Act would be done on the
basis of 2011 Census. This submission made on
instructions by learned standing counsel for State
Election Commissioner, Manipur is recorded as a
undertaking given to this Court. Be that as it may,
learned standing counsel volunteered to file an
affidavit of undertaking in this regard;
(iii) adverting to sub-paragraph (xi) of paragraph 64 of
the order that is sought to be reviewed i.e. common
order dated 29.08.2025 in W.A. No. 9 of 2024, W.A.
No. 10 of 2024 and W.A. No. 11 of 2024, learned
Attorney General for India submitted on instructions
that as regards the liberty given to State Government
qua appointment of Administrative Committees for
Gram Panchayats and Administrators for Zilla
Parishads inter-alia vide Sections 22 and 92
respectively of said Act, the State Government has
embarked upon the exercise and would complete the
exercise as expeditiously as possible.
[6] As regards other aspects of the matter, adverting to
proceedings made on 15.12.2025, more particularly Paragraph 4
thereat, it was submitted by learned Attorney General for India that
though it was earlier submitted that the review is confined to four
Sub-paragraphs of Paragraph 64 namely, sub-paragraph Nos. (viii) to
(xi), it is now confined to sub-paragraph (x) besides touching upon
sub-paragraph (xi) which read as follows:
‘[64] In view of the above findings, observations and
directions, we hold and direct as follows:
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
45
REV.PET. NO. 37 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 38 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 39 OF 2025
i) …………………………………………….………………
…………………………………………….………………
……………………………………………….……………
………………………………………………….…………
ix) …………………………………………………….………
x) The State Govt. is directed to conduct fresh
election within a period of 6 months.
xi) Till the next election is conducted as
directed in para (x) above, the State Govt.
is at liberty to appoint fresh Administrative
Committees for the Gram Panchayat and
Administrator for Zilla Parishad in terms of
the provisions of Section 22, Section 92 and
Section 109 of the Manipur Panchayati Raj,
Act 1994 for a period not exceeding 6
months.’
[7] After conclusion of submissions of learned Attorney General
for India and Mr. Ch. Momon, learned standing counsel for State
Election Commissioner, Manipur, Mr. HS. Paonam, learned senior
counsel instructed by Mr. A. Arunkumar, learned counsel on record
very fairly submitted that with regard to conduct of elections to local
bodies within 6 (six) months from today about which there is allusion
elsewhere supra in this order, he is on the same page and he supports
the submissions made by learned standing counsel for State Election
Commissioner, Manipur and this submission is recorded. To be noted,
in this regard, Mr. S. Biswajit, learned senior counsel instructed by
Mr. Sanatomba, learned counsel on record submitted that he also
supports the submissions made by Mr. Ch. Momon, learned standing
counsel for State Election Commissioner, Manipur and this submission
is also recorded.
[8] Mr. HS. Paonam, learned senior counsel submitted that with
regard to the liberty given to State Government vide Sub-paragraph
(xi) of Paragraph 64 of the order sought to be reviewed and the
exercise which State Government has embarked upon, he has some
submissions to be made. Be that as it may, learned senior counsel
submitted that the review itself is not maintainable and pressed into
service oft quoted, celebrated ‘Padma Sundara Rao & Ors. -vs-
State of Tamil Nadu & Ors.’ [(2002) 3 SCC 533] and adverted
to paragraph 15 thereat regarding cases on issues and as to when
cases on issues which is a construction principle can be supplied by
Court. ‘Inderchand Jain -vs- Motilal’ [(2009) 14 SCC 663] was
also relied upon and paragraph 33 thereat was adverted to five
principles propounded by Hon’ble Supreme Court regarding review
jurisdiction.
[9] Thereafter the learned senior counsel expressed difficulty at
his end in continuing submissions today/tomorrow and requested for
rescheduling the captioned matter to another date.
[10] In the next listing, the affidavit alluded to supra in this order
shall be filed by Mr. Ch. Momon, learned standing counsel for State
Election Commissioner, Manipur and Mr. HS Paonam, learned senior
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counsel will continue and conclude his submissions followed by Mr.
S. Biswajit, learned senior counsel and reply, if any, on behalf of
State.
[11] List under cause list caption ‘PART HEARD’ on 28.04.2026.’
‘ 28.04.2026
[1] Read this in conjunction with and in continuation of earlier
proceedings made in the previous listing on 16.04.2026 which reads
as follows:
‘[1] Mr. R. Venkataramani, learned Attorney General for
India instructed by Mr. Kartikay Agrawal, learned counsel,
Mr. Lenin Hijam, learned Advocate General of Manipur
instructed by Mr. O. Ratankumar, learned State counsel, Mr.
Dimalkumar Haobam, learned State counsel, Mr. I. Amri,
learned State counsel, Ms. Sharmila Rahman, learned State
counsel, Mr. S. Chittaranjan, learned Additional Advocate
General of Manipur for State of Manipur and Mr. Ch. Momon,
learned standing counsel for State Election Commissioner,
Manipur are before this Court (Physical Court).
[2] …………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………..
[10] ………………………………………………………………………..
[11] List under cause list caption ‘PART HEARD’ on
28.04.2026.’
[2] At the outset, Mr. Ch. Momon, learned Standing counsel for
State Election Commission, Manipur, adverting to sub-paragraph (ii)
of paragraph 5 of afore-referred earlier proceedings dated
16.04.2026 submitted that an affidavit of undertaking dated
27.04.2026 has been filed. A scanned reproduction of this affidavit
(sans the cause title) is as follows:
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[3] As regards the paragraph 1 of the afore-referred affidavit of
undertaking, there is no difficulty and the same is taken on file. As
regards paragraph 2, it talks about 2001/2011 census though it was
earlier submitted by learned Standing Counsel for State Election
Commission that Section 99 drill {Section 99 of Manipur Panchayati
Raj Act, 1994 (26 of 1994)} which has been referred to as ‘said Act’
in the previous proceedings dated 16.04.2026} will be as per 2011
census. Paragraph 2 of the afore-referred affidavit of undertaking
talks about 2001/2011 census. It was pointed out that paragraph 2
therefore is not in complete consonance with the submission made
earlier.
[4] Mr. Ch. Momon, learned Standing Counsel for State Election
Commission sought time to file a better affidavit of undertaking with
annexures if so desired and if so advised. As regards paragraph 2
alone, to be noted paragraph 1 has been taken on file as already
alluded to.
[5] Mr. H.S. Paonam, learned senior counsel instructed by Mr. A.
Arunkumar, learned counsel adverting to paragraph 8 of the earlier
proceedings dated 16.04.2026 submitted that State Government has
since appointed Administrative Committees and has published the
same in official Gazette dated 28.04.2026 today (to be noted, the
appointment is vide proceedings dated 27.4.2026). A scanned
reproduction of the Gazette publication (sans annexures/which
contains the names of the appointees) is as follows:
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This according to learned senior counsel is over-reached by
the State Government and has nullified any further submissions.
[6] Responding to this submission, Mr. Lenin Hijam, learned
Advocate General (AG) for State of Manipur along with Soraisham
Chittaranjan Singh, learned Addl. Advocate General (Addl. AG) drew
our attention to sub-paragraph (iii) of paragraph 5 of earlier
proceedings and submitted that as already submitted the exercise
embarked upon by State Government has since been completed not
only for Imphal East but 5(five) other Districts also viz., Imphal West,
Thoubal, Bishnupur, Jiribam, Kakching and placed before us the
Gazette notifications with regard to all six Districts (including Imphal
West).
[7] Though obvious, for the sake of specificity and clarity we deem
it appropriate to write that we have only captured the rival
submissions and the stated position of the parties in this regard in
this proceedings and the same will be dealt with when final order in
the review petitions are made.
[8] Reverting to the affidavit of undertaking of State Election
Commission, Mr. S. Biswajit Meitei, learned senior counsel instructed
by Mr. W. Sanatomba, learned counsel pointed out that there is an
earlier order dated 19.01.2007 made in Public Interest Litigation
being Writ Petition (PIL) No.16 of 2005 by a Division Bench which
touches upon census report. It was submitted that this 19.01.2007
order was carried to Hon’ble Supreme Court and Mr. W. Sanatomba,
learned counsel sought time to place the order of Hon’ble Supreme
Court before this Court.
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[9] Mr. S. Biswajit Meitei, learned senior counsel added that with
regard to constitution of Administrative Committees (which according
to Mr. H.S. Paonam, learned senior counsel has nullified his further
submissions) there has been no transparency. Responding to this as
well as the earlier submissions of learned senior counsel Mr. H.S.
Paonam, learned AG pressed into service Rattanindia case law being
Rattanindia Power Limited reported in 2025 SCC OnLine SC
2936 for the principle that a respondent cannot question the
correctness of an order without filing an appeal, cross-appeal or
cross-objection and for the further principle that the person who fails
to file an appeal or cross-objection can be taken as one who is not
aggrieved by the operative part of the order.
[10] Mr. H.S. Paonam, learned senior counsel and Mr. S. Biswajit
Meitei, learned senior counsel submitted that the orders appointing
Administrative Committees should be kept in abeyance but this Court
is of the considered view that if aggrieved by the orders, it is open to
the parties concerned to assail the same in a manner known to law
for being decided on its own merits and in accordance with law and
we are not inclined to pass any interim order in this regard in this
proceeding.
[11] To enable Mr. Ch. Momon, learned Standing Counsel for State
Election Commission to file a better affidavit of undertaking and Mr.
W. Sanatomba, learned counsel who is instructing Mr. S. Biswajit
Meitei, learned senior counsel to place before this Court the order of
Hon’ble Supreme Court arising from the PIL, let these matters stand
over to 06.05.2026 before this Special Bench at 2:00 pm.
[12] List on 06.05.2026.’
‘06.05.2026
[1] In the hearing today, Mr. Lenin Hijam, learned Advocate
General along with Mr. S. Chittaranjan, learned Additional Advocate
General instructed Mr. Ratan Kumar Oinam, Ms. Thanyomi Keishing,
Mr. I. Amri, Mr. Dimal Kumar Haobam, Ms. Sharmila and Mr. A.
Priyokumar Sharma, learned State counsel for review petitioners in
Review. Pet. No. 33 of 2025, Review. Pet. No. 34 of 2025 and Review.
Pet. No. 35 of 2025, Mr. S. Biswajit, learned senior counsel instructed
by Mr. W. Sanatomba and Mr. H. Prabirkumar, learned counsel for
review petitioners in Review. Pet. No. 37 of 2025, Review. Pet. No.
38 of 2025 and Review. Pet. No. 39 of 2025, Mr. HS Paonam, learned
senior counsel instructed by Mr. A. Arunkumar, learned counsel for
respondent Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 6 in Review. Pet. No. 33 of 2025,
respondent Nos. 1,2 & 3 in Review. Pet. No. 34 of 2025, respondent
Nos. 4-9 in Review. Pet. No. 37 of 2025, respondent Nos. 16-19 & 21
in Review. Pet. No. 38 of 2025 and respondent Nos. 10-12, 14-17, 19
& 20 in Review. Pet. No. 39 of 2025, Mr. Ch. Momon, learned standing
counsel for State Election Commission (State of Manipur), Ms.
Ayangleima, learned counsel for respondent Nos. 11-17 in Review.
Pet. No. 33 of 2025 and respondent Nos. 9-15 in Review. Pet. No. 38
of 2025 are before this Court (physical Court).
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[2] Mr. HS Paonam, learned senior counsel continued and
concluded his submissions. Thereafter, Mr. S. Biswajit, learned senior
counsel completed his submissions. Mr. Lenin Hijam, learned
Advocate General completed his submissions. Mr. Ch. Momon,
learned standing counsel for State Election Commission also
completed his submissions. Ms. Ayangleima, learned counsel
submitted that she is adopting the submissions made by learned
Advocate General.
[3] Adverting to earlier proceedings made in the previous listing
on 28.04.2026, more particularly, paragraph 10 thereat, Mr. S.
Biswajit, learned senior counsel on instructions from Mr. W.
Sanatomba, learned counsel, submitted that Writ Petitions being W.P.
(C) No. 324 of 2026 and W.P. (C) No. 325 of 2026 have since been
filed.
[4] Be that as it may, adverting to earlier proceedings, Mr. A.
Arunkumar, learned counsel submitted that additional affidavit dated
04.05.2026 on behalf of respondent Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 6 has since been
filed in Review. Pet. No. 33 of 2025 and the same is on record.
[5] Likewise, adverting to earlier proceedings, Mr. Ch. Momon,
learned standing counsel for State Election Commission (State of
Manipur), submitted that affidavit dated 05.05.2026 sworn by State
Election Commissioner has been filed and the same is before this
Court.
[6] Mr. W. Sanatomba, learned counsel on record for review
petitioners in Review. Pet. No. 37 of 2025, Review. Pet. No.38 of 2025
and Review. Pet. No. 39 of 2025, submitted that an affidavit dated
05.05.2026 has been filed in Review. Pet. No. 37 of 2025 and the
same is before this Court.
[7] To be noted, Mr. HS Paonam, learned senior counsel and
Mr. S. Biswajit, learned senior counsel made short reply submissions.
[8] Hearing concluded.
[9] Captioned matters will now stand over for consideration and
verdict. To put it differently, ‘ORDERS RESERVED’.’
[10] The reason for filing third party review petition is that the
petitioners are not party before the Writ Court as well as Appellate
Court and the directions in sub-paragraph (viii) and (ix) of paragraph
64 of the order under review dated 29.08.2025, set aside all the
Administrative Committees, which appointments exceed the period of
6 (six) months and till elections are held; and their appointments as
members of the Administrative Committees were also set aside
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
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without hearing them. The ground for review is that the Administrative
Committees, appointed to discharge the function of Panchayat till
elections are held, are discharging important functions such as,
implementation of various programmes specially execution of works
under MGNREGS.
[11] When the matter was listed on 13.03.2026, both Mr. R.
Venkataramani, learned Attorney General for India and Mr. Lenin
Hijam, learned Advocate General of Manipur submitted that an
endeavor would be made for appointment of State Election
Commissioner in terms of Section 98 of the Act. As per assurance
given before this Court in order dated 13.03.2026, the State
Government has appointed Shri M. Joy Singh, IAS (Retd.) as State
Election Commissioner vide order dated 15.04.2026.
[12] In the proceedings held on 16.04.2026, Mr. R.
Venkataramani, learned Attorney General for India for the first time
submitted before this Court that Manipur Panchayati Raj Act, 1994
was amended by amendment No. 2/20/2022-Leg/L, dated 22.02.2023
by introducing ‘Chapter – VI containing Sections 110 to 139’ and the
amendment of 2023 came into force w.e.f. 22.02.2023. It is submitted
that by this amendment of 2023, 2 (two) tier Panchayati Raj System
has become 3 (three) tier Panchayati Raj System. It is also further
clarified that the amendment was introduced on the direction of
Hon’ble Supreme Court in order dated 09.08.2021 in SLP(C) No.
REV.PET. NO. 33 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 34 OF 2025, REV.PET. NO. 35 OF 2025
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11724 of 2021 [The State of Manipur -vs- Maisnam Manikchand Singh
& Ors].
[13] Mr. R. Venkataramani, learned Attorney General for India
has pointed out that inadvertently the amendment of 2023 could not
be placed before the Hon’ble Division Bench in appeals. However, the
same is placed before this Court for consideration in the review
petitions as the structure of Panchayat has changed from 2 (two) to
3 (three) tier by this amendment of 2023 w.e.f. 22.02.2023.
[14] In the proceedings made on 16.04.2026, Mr. Ch. Momon,
learned standing counsel for State Election Commission, on
instructions, submitted that elections would be positively conducted
within a period of 6 (six) months i.e. on or before 16.10.2026 and it
will be as per amendment of 2023 qua 3 (three) tier Panchayati Raj
and determination of elected members as per Section 99 of the the
Act shall be done on the basis of 2011 census.
[15] Mr. R. Venkataramani, learned Attorney General for
India, however, clarified that since the State Election Commission has
undertaken to conduct election within a period 6 (six) months, i.e., on
or before 16.10.2026, the review petitions may be disposed of by
giving time extension for holding election on the basis of direction in
sub-paragraph (x) of paragraph 64 of the order under review dated
29.08.2025 passed by the Division Bench of this Court and also in
terms of liberty given in sub-paragraph (xi) of paragraph 64 of the
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order under review, liberty may be granted to the State Government
to appoint Administrative Committees for Panchayats and Zila
Parishads in terms of Sections 20, 92 and 109 of the the Act.
[16] In the same proceedings made on 16.04.2026, Mr. HS.
Paonam, learned senior counsel for some of the private respondents
(original writ petitioners) and Mr. S. Biswajit, learned senior counsel
for third party review petitioners (members of Administrative
Committees quashed by this Court in the order under review) fairly
submitted that they support submissions of learned Attorney General
for India and standing counsel for State Election Commission with
regard to conduct of election within a period of 6 (six) months from
date of order i.e. on or before 16.10.2026. However, Mr. HS. Paonam,
learned senior counsel submitted that with respect to the liberty given
to the State Government by sub-paragraph (xi) of paragraph 64 of the
order under review, review is not maintainable and he refers to the
decision of Constitution Bench of Hon’ble Supreme Court in ‘Padma
Sundara Rao & Ors. -vs- State of Tamil Nadu & Ors.’ [(2002) 3 SCC
533] [Paragraph 15] regarding two principles of construction of
statute and also ‘Inderchand Jain -vs- Motilal’ [(2009) 14 SCC 663]
[Paragraph 33] that 5 (five) principles propounded by the Hon’ble
Supreme Court regarding review jurisdiction, are not satisfied in the
present case.
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[17] When the matter was taken up on 28.04.2026, Mr. Ch.
Momon, learned standing counsel for State Election Commission
submitted that an affidavit of undertaking dated 27.04.2026 was filed
in terms of order dated 16.04.2026 whereby the Commission
undertook to conduct election within 6 (six) months for local bodies
and election would be conducted as per amended provision of the Act
more particularly, amendment qua 3 (three) tier and stated
determination of elected members as per Section 99 of the Act would
be done on the basis of 2001/2011 census. Since affidavit of
undertaking was not in conformity with undertaking made in the order
dated 16.04.2026, Mr. Ch. Momon, learned standing counsel for State
Election Commission sought some more time for filing a better
affidavit of undertaking.
[18] In the proceedings made on 28.04.2026, Mr. HS.
Paonam, learned senior counsel for private respondents (original writ
petitioner) submitted that vide orders dated 27.04.2026 and published
in Manipur Gazette on 28.04.2026, Deputy Commissioners of 6 (six)
districts namely, Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur,
Kakching and Jiribam, issued orders for appointment of Administrative
Committees for Gram Panchayats. It is pointed out that appointment
of new Administrative Committees appointed vide orders, dated
27.04.2026 (published in the Manipur Gazette on 28.04.2026), issued
by Deputy Commissioners of the aforementioned 6 (six) districts, is
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nothing but an endeavor to overreach the Court by the State
Government and has nullified any other submissions on question of
permissibility of appointment of Administrative Committees. Learned
senior counsel for writ petitioners submitted that the same is in
violation of understanding during the pre-hearing sittings held
between the learned Attorney General for India, learned Advocate
General of Manipur, learned senior counsel and learned counsel for
the parties to find out amicable settlement.
[19] Mr. HS Paonam, learned senior counsel has fairly
submitted that he supports the undertaking of the State Election
Commission to hold election within the period of 6 (six) months, i.e.,
on or before 16.10.2026. However, he has reservation about
maintainability of the review petitions qua sub-paragraph (xi) of
paragraph 64 of the order under review dated 29.08.2025 regarding
liberty given to the State Government for appointment of
Administrative Committees for Gram Panchayats and Administrators
for Zila Parishads in terms of Sections 22, 92 and 109 of the Act. It is
sum and substance of his submission that the Administrative
Committees could not be appointed multiple times during a term of a
Panchayat.
[20] Even if the Deputy Commissioners have been empowered
to appoint Administrative Committees for Panchayat for a period of 6
(six) months under Section 22 of the Act (as held in sub-paragraph
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(vii) of paragraph 64 of the order under review), Mr. HS. Paonam,
learned senior counsel has vehemently urged that such appointment
of Administrative Committees could not be resorted to after expiry of
6 (six) months period; otherwise the same would defeat the provisions
of Article 243E of the Constitution of India and Section 20 of the Act
which fixed the tenure of Panchayat at 5 (five) years as held by
Hon’ble Supreme Court in a catena of cases and also in sub-paragraph
(ii) of paragraph 64 of the order under review. Learned senior counsel
for the writ petitioners submitted that review petitions filed by the
State are not maintainable as extension of time does not fall within
the scope of review under Order XLVII CPC, 1908 and decision in
‘Inderchand Jain -vs- Motilal’ [(2009) 14 SCC 663] .
[21] Mr. HS Paonam, learned senior counsel for the writ
petitioners submitted that the order under review was passed on
29.08.2025. In the said order under review, there is a direction in sub-
paragraph (x) of paragraph 64 to conduct election within a period of
6 (six) months. Manipur was under President’s Rule w.e.f. 13.02.2025
and learned senior counsel further pointed out that Article 243E [Part
- IX (Panchayat) of the Constitution of India] was not suspended by
the promulgation of President’s Rule vide order dated 13.02.2025 and
hence, existence of President’s Rule is not a sufficient ground for
failure of State Government to conduct election within 6 (six) months.
He, further, refers to the decision of Hon’ble Supreme Court in the
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case of Suresh Mahajan –vs- State of Madhya Pradesh [(2022) 12
SCC 770 paragraph 12] . The learned senior counsel for writ
petitioners also submitted that subsequent orders dated 27.04.2026
(published in Gazette on 28.04.2026) of Deputy Commissioner for
appointing Administrative Committees for Gram Panchayats during
the pendency of present writ petition ought to be set aside, as the
same is an endeavor to overreach this Court. The learned senior
counsel refers to the decision of Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case
of Malleeswari –vs- K. Suguna [2025 SCC OnLine SC 1927]
[Paragraph 17] where it has been held that review will be
maintainable only on (i) discovery of new and important matter or
evidence which was not within the knowledge of petitioner at the time
of passing original order; (ii) mistake or patent error apparent on the
face of record; or (iii) for any sufficient reason which is analogous to
two other categories already mentioned. For the same proposition,
learned senior counsel also relies on the decision of Madhusudhan
Reddy –vs- V. Narayan Reddy & Ors. [(2022) 17 SCC 255
(paragraph 33)].
[22] Learned senior counsel has further pressed into service a
decision of a Division Bench of Allahabad High Court in Prem Lal Patel
–vs- State of U.P. & 3 Ors. [2000 SCC OnLine ALL 312] . The State
Government introduced an ordinance Uttar Pradesh (Panchayat)
Laws (Amendment) Ordnance 2000
empowering State to appoint
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Administrative Committees in place of Panchayati Raj, if the State
Election could not be held within the stipulated time and the same
was set aside by the Division Bench of the High Court as it suffered
from repugnancy to the Constitutional provision containing Article
243E and 243K of the Constitution of India. By this case law, Mr. HS
Paonam, learned senior counsel for the writ petitioners has tried to
impress upon this Court that Administrative Committees cannot be
appointed in any case and elections have to be conducted within a
stipulated time. Learned senior counsel also referred to the celebrated
Raj Narayan –vs- Indira Nehru [1975 Suppl. SCC 1 para
decision of
587] where Hon’ble Supreme Court considered the rule of
construction of statutes that “……………..an expressly laid down mode
of doing something necessarily prohibits the doing of that thing in any
other manner.”
[23] Learned senior counsel relies on another decision of the
Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of GVK Industries Limited & Anr.
–vs- Income Tax Officer & Anr. [(2011) 4 SCC 36 ( Paragraph 81) ]
which clarifies the maxim ‘the Expressio unius est exclusio alterius’ –
the express mention of one thing implies the exclusion of another.
Since Manipur Panchayati Raj Act does not provide appointment of
multiple Administrative Committees during the tenure of a Panchayat,
he emphasizes that such appointment has to be excluded by this
principle. Further, learned senior counsel also relies on a decision of
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Hon’ble Supreme Court in case of State of West Bengal –vs-
Aninidya Sundar Das [ (2022) 16 SCC 318 ( Paragraph 57)] to the
fact that in the guise of removing difficulties, the State cannot change
the scheme and essential provisions of the Act. This decision is cited
to buttress the proposition that multiple Administrative Committees
cannot be appointed exercising the powers conferred to the State
under Section 109 of the Act for removing difficulties. In the
conclusion, Mr. HS Paonam, learned senior counsel for the writ
petitioners submitted that the submission of the State as well as the
State Election Commission for holding the election within a period of
6 (six) months i.e., on or before 16.10.2026 is accepted by the writ
petitioners. But the review is not maintainable for modification of sub-
paragraph (xi) of paragraph 64 of the order under review to enable
the State to appoint multiple Administrative Committees till elections
are held. Learned senior counsel also makes a submission that the
State Government as well as State Election Commission may be
directed to complete the process for fresh election within this
stipulated period of time and further time should not be extended for
conducting election, as it will defeat the Constitutional mandate in
Article 243E of the Constitution as well as the mandatory provision of
Section 20 of the Act prescribing the period of 5 (five) years as tenure
of Payachayat body.
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[24] Mr. S. Biswajit, learned senior counsel appearing on
behalf of third party review petitioners has fairly submitted that
petitioners have accepted the submissions of State Government and
State Election Commission for holding of election within 6 (six)
months. Learned senior counsel further submitted that they accepted
the decision of the Division Bench in the order under review dated
29.08.2025 and the proposition of the law laid down in the judgment
that terms of the Panchayat is for 5 (five) years; tenure cannot be
extended beyond 5 (five) years; and terms of Administrative
Committees and Administrators appointed under Section 22, 92 and
109 of the Act cannot exceed the period of 6 (six) months. However,
the learned senior counsel has pointed out that the third party review
petitioners are members of the Administrative Committees (appointed
by the State in terms of the interim order dated 29.02.2024 passed
by the Division Bench of this Court in W.A. No. 9 of 2024, W.A. No.
10 of 2024 and W.A. No. 11 of 2024 permitting the State for
appointment of Administrative Committees); and their appointments
were set aside by the sub-paragraph (viii) and (ix) of paragraph 64 of
the order under review without affording them an opportunity of being
heard. He further states that one important fact could not be placed
before the Division Bench about the necessity of continuation of the
work undertaken by the existing Administrative Committees for
implementation of various schemes during course of hearing. The
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members of the Administrative Committees are exercising powers of
the Panchayat under Section 22 of the Act and most of the welfare
schemes in the rural area are executed through the Panchayat
specially the works under MGNREGA. The petitioners have done
certain works and bills are yet to be paid to the executing agency and
members of the Administrative Committees have not been paid any
honorarium throughout their tenure. Hence, a limited prayer is made
in the 3 (three) review petitions i.e., Rev. Pet. No. 37 of 2025, Rev.
Pet. No. 38 of 2025 and Rev. Pet. No. 39 of 2025 that the State
Government may be directed to allow the third party review
petitioners to continue as members of the Administrative Committees
and permit them to continue to execute pending works undertaken by
them till new Administrative Committees are appointed, as directed
by the Division Bench in the order under review.
[25] Both Mr. HS Paonam, learned senior counsel and Mr. S.
Biswajit, learned senior counsel for the parties submitted that the
Administrative Committees appointed vide orders dated 27.04.2026
(notified in Gazette on 28.04.2026) be kept in abeyance. However, in
order dated 28.04.2026 this Court did not pass any interim order
regarding stay of the appointment of new Administrative Committees
and left the issue open to the party to assail the same in appropriate
proceedings, if they are aggrieved by such appointments.
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[26] Contrary to the submissions of Mr. HS Paonam, learned
senior counsel for the writ petitioners questioning permissibility of
appointment of Administrative Committees on multiple occasions, Mr.
S. Biswajit, learned senior counsel for the third party review
petitioners, has fairly submitted that review petitioners are not
challenging the powers of State Government to appoint Administrative
Committees, as the writ petitioners themselves were members of the
Administrative Committees appointed on earlier occasion and having
participated the pre-hearing meeting with the learned Attorney
General for India, learned Advocate General, learned senior counsel
and learned counsel for the parties, to work out an amicable
settlement of the issues involved in the review petitions including
appointment of the Administrative Committees.
[27] Mr. S. Biswajit, learned senior counsel for the third party
petitioners has submitted that after fresh appointment of
Administrative Committees vide orders dated 27.04.2026 (notified in
Gazette on 28.04.2026), the prayer in the third party review petitions
has shrunk to release all the honorarium and pending bills for the
works undertaken during the tenure of petitioners as members of the
Administrative Committees. Learned senior counsel concludes his
submissions that the State authority may be directed to release the
honorarium and pending bills of the works executed during the tenure
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of the third party review petitioners as members of the Administrative
Committees.
[28] In terms of the liberty given by this Court in order dated
28.04.2026, Mr. S. Biswajit, learned senior counsel for the third party
review petitioner has submitted that the two writ petitions, being
W.P.(C) No. 324 of 2026 and W.P.(C) No. 325 of 2025 have been filed
by third party review petitioners and others who were erstwhile
members of the Administrative Committees, challenging the new
appointments of the Administrative Committees vide orders dated
27.04.2026 (notified in Gazette on 28.04.2026) with respect to Imphal
West and Kakching; and the same are pending before Hon’ble Single
Bench of this Court for adjudication.
[29] Mr. Lenin Hijam, learned Advocate General of Manipur
has stated that the review petitions are filed by the State for the
purpose to remove certain difficulties. Initially review is preferred by
raising certain points of law on merit against the directions in
paragraph 64 of the imugned order. Later on, the scope of review is
restricted to sub-paragraph (x) and (xi) of paragraph 64 of the order
under review.
[30] Learned Advocate General of Manipur draws the
attention of this Court to paragraphs 61 and 63 of the order under
review dated 29.08.2025 where it has been held that the Deputy
Commissioners/State have/has power to appoint the Administrative
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Committees for Gram Panchayats and Administrators for Zila
Parishads under Sections 22, 92 and 109 of the Act, not exceeding
the period of 6 (six) months.
[31] Learned Advocate General of Manipur has also pointed
out that the findings in paragraphs 61 and 63 of the order under
review have been fructified in sub-paragraph (vii) of paragraph 64 of
the imugned order. However, he has further urged that scope of the
review petitions is confined to giving extension of time for holding
election and also extension of time permitting appointment of
Administrative Committees/Administrators for Gram Panchayats and
Zila Parishads. The power given to the State authority to appoint
Administrative Committees/Administrators has already been approved
by the Division Bench in paragraphs 61 and 63 and sub-paragraph
(vii) of the paragraph 64 of the judgment under review and the issue
becomes no longer res integra. Reverting to the submission of Mr. HS.
Paonam, learned senior counsel to the effect that State authority has
no power to make appointment of multiple Administrative Committees
within a tenure of Panchayat, learned Advocate General of Manipur
has vehemently submitted that the writ petitioners did not file any
review or appeal against the order under review dated 29.08.2025
and having fully accepted the judgment in totality, it does not lie in
the mouth of the writ petitioners to raise competency of the State
authority for appointment of Administrative Committees. In this
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regard, learned Advocate General has cited recent judgment of the
Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Rattanindia Power Limited –
vs- Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited &
Anr. [2025 SCC OnLine 2936 ( Paragraphs 47, 48, 50, 51)] to the
proposition that when a person who fails to file an appeal or cross-
appeal, he can be taken that he is not aggrieved by the operative part
of the order against which, or some part of which, the appeal is filed
by some other person. Learned Advocate General has argued that the
writ petitioners (private respondents herein represented by Mr. HS.
Paonam) do not have locus to challenge the appointment of
Administrative Committees, having failed to challenge the findings at
paragraph Nos. 61, 63 and 64 (viii) of the order under review and it
is submitted that the objection raised by the writ petitioners may be
rejected on this ground alone.
[32] Mr. Ch. Momon, learned standing counsel for State
Election Commission submitted that as permitted by this Court in
order dated 28.04.2026 for filing a better affidavit / undertaking with
respect to paragraph 2 of the earlier affidavit dated 27.04.2026, a new
better affidavit on behalf of State Election Commission dated
05.05.2026 has been filed stating that State Election Commission be
permitted to conduct election as per list of electors notified by the
State Government under Section 15 of the Act and further the
Commission may be allowed to conduct election on the basis of
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established norms within time stipulated by this Court. A scanned
reproduction of the substantive part of the affidavit dated 05.05.2026
sans cause title is as follows:
[33] Learned standing counsel for State Election Commission
concludes with the prayer that the Commission may be permitted to
conduct election within a stipulated period, i.e., on or before
16.10.2026 in terms of the available electorate record and as per
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Section 15 of said Act for 3 (three) tier election of Panchayat. We are
refraining from going into electorate record, i.e., as to whether it
should be as per 2001 or 2011 census, as it is outside the remit of the
instant review. The reason is this was not put in issue when the order
under review was made. We make it clear that all questions in this
regard are left open.
[34] Ms. L. Ayangleima, learned counsel for some of the
private respondents (interveners in WPs/WAs) adopts the submissions
of learned Advocate General of Manipur.
[35] We have considered the submissions made by the parties
and case laws referred at the Bar. In view of the undertakings by Mr.
R. Venkataramani, learned Attorney General for India appearing for
the State of Manipur in the proceedings dated 15.12.2025 and
16.04.2026, the scope of review petition is confined to sub-para (x)
and (xi) of paragraph 64 of the order under review dated 29.08.2025.
For the sake of convenience, sub-paragraph (x) and (xi) of paragraph
64 of the order under review is reproduced herein below:
‘x) The State Govt. is directed to conduct fresh election
within a period of 6 months.
xi) Till the next election is conducted as directed in para
(x) above, the State Govt. is at liberty to appoint fresh
Administrative Committees for the Gram Panchayat
and Administrator for Zilla Parishad in terms of the
provisions of Section 22, Section 92 and Section 109
of the Manipur Panchayati Raj, Act 1994 for a period
not exceeding 6 months.’
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[36] Before further proceeding, it will be appropriate to
reproduce the relevant provisions of the law i.e., Article 243E of the
Constitution, Sections 17, 20, 22, 49, 92 & 109 of the Act and Section
6 of the MPR (Amendment) Act, 1996 and the same is reproduced
below:
‘ Article 243E . Duration of Panchayats, etc.- (1) Every
Panchayat, unless sooner dissolved under any law for the
time being in force, shall continue for five years from the
date appointed for its first meeting and no longer.
(2) No amendments of any law for the time being in force
shall have the effect of causing dissolution of a Panchayat at
any level, which is functioning immediately before such
amendment, till the expiration of its duration specified in
clause (1)
(3) An election to constitute a Panchayat shall be completed-
(a) before the expiry of its duration specified in
clause(1);
(b) before the expiration of a period of six months
from the date of its dissolution;
Provided that where the remainder of the
period for which the dissolved Panchayat would
have continued is less than six months, it shall not
be necessary to hold any election under this clause
for constituting the Panchayat for such period.
(4) A Panchayat constituted upon the dissolution of a
Panchayat before the expiration of its duration shall continue
only for the remainder of the period for which the dissolved
Panchayat would have continued under clause (1) had it not
been so dissolved.
The Manipur Panchayati Raj Act, 1994
Section 17 . A Gram Panchayat shall consist of the Pradhan
and such number of directly elected members as may be
notified from time to time by the State Government and one
member for every 350 population or part thereof of the
Panchayat area shall be elected as a member of such
Panchayat.
Section 20 . Term of the Gram Panchayats.—
(1) Every Gram Panchayat shall continue for a term of five
years from the date appointed for its first meeting and no
longer:
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Provided that a Gram Panchayat which is functioning
immediately before the commencement of this Act shall
continue till the expiration of its duration.
(2) The election to constitute a Gram Panchayat shall be
completed—
a) before the expiration of its duration specified in
sub-section (1); and
(b) in case of dissolution, before the expiration of a
period of six months from the date of dissolution:
Provided that where the remainder of the period for
which the dissolved Gram Panchayat would have continued
is less than six months, it shall not be necessary to hold any
election under this clause for constituting the Gram
Panchayat for such period.
(3) A Gram Panchayat constituted upon the dissolution of a
Gram Panchayat before the expiration of its duration, shall
continue only for the remainder of the period for which the
dissolved Gram Panchayat would have continued under sub-
section (1) had it not been so dissolved.
Section 22 . Appointment of an Administrative Committees
or Administrator on failure to elect members of Gram
Panchayat and in other cases.— (1) (a) If the Deputy
Commissioner is satisfied that a Gram Panchayat for a village
or group of villages immediately after the establishment of
such Gram Panchayat cannot be constituted by reason of—
(i) any difficulty in holding an election of the members
of the Gram Panchayat; or
(ii) failure to elect such members at two successive
elections held under section 17; or
(iii) any other sufficient reason whatsoever; or
(b) If at any general election to a Gram Panchayat, no
member is elected or less than two-third of the total
number of members are elected, the Deputy
Commissioner shall, by notification either,—
(i) appoint an Administrative Committees consisting
of persons qualified to be elected, the number of
such persons being equal to the number of members
determined under section 17; or
(ii) appoint an Administrator.
(2) The members of the Administrative Committees or the
Administrator shall hold office for such period not
exceeding six months as the Deputy Commissioner may
specify in the notification under sub-section (1).
(3) On the appointment of an Administrative Committees
or an Administrator under sub-section (1), the persons, if
any, chosen as members of the Gram Panchayat before
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such appointment shall cease to be members of the Gram
Panchayat and all the powers and duties of the Gram
Panchayat shall be exercised and performed by such
Administrative Committees or Administrator, as the case
may be.
(4) The Administrative Committees or Administrator shall
be deemed to be a duly constituted Gram Panchayat for
the purpose of this Act, notwithstanding anything
contained in the foregoing provisions: Provided that if
at any time after the appointment of the Administrative
Committees or the Administrator under sub-section (1),
the Deputy Commissioner is satisfied that there is no
difficulty in duly constituting the Gram Panchayat by
election of members, the Deputy Commissioner, may,
notwithstanding that the term of office for which the
members of the Administrative Committees or the
Administrator had been appointed has not expired, direct
by notification that the members of the Administrative
Committees or the Administrator, as the case may be,
shall cease to hold office with effect from such date as
may be specified in such notification.
49. Composition of Zilla Parishad.—The Zilla Parishad
shall consist of—
(a) the members directly elected from the territorial
constituencies in the district under section 50;
(b) the members of the House of the People and the
members of the State Legislative Assembly representing
a part or whole of the district whose constituencies lie
within the district; and
(c) ten per cent. of the Pradhans of the Gram Panchayats
in the district:
Provided that when the total number of
members under clauses (b) and (c) exceed the total
number of members under clause (a), only one-third
of the members under clause (c) shall be selected on
rotation for a period of one year by lot as the
Government may decide from time to time and
district to district, subject to the condition that a
Pradhan who was a member under this clause for
one year shall not be eligible to become member for
a second term during the remainder of his term of
office as Pradhan:
Provided further that all members of the Zilla
Parishad whether elected or not from territorial
constituencies in the Zilla Parishad area shall have
the right to vote in the meeting of the Zilla Parishad
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except in the election of Adhyaksha and Up-
Adhyaksha.
92. (1) Whenever, -
(a) any general election to a Zila Parishad under this Act or
any proceedings consequent thereon has been stayed by an
order of a competent court or authority; or
(b) all the member or more than two thirds of the members
of a Zila Parishad have resigned, the Government shall by
notification in the Official Gazette appoint an Administrator
for such period as may be specified in the notification and
may, by like notification, curtail or extend the period of such
appointment, so however, that the total period of such
appointment shall not exceed six months.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, on the
appoint- ment of an Administrator under sub-section (1) the
Zila Parishad and the Committees thereof and the Adhyaksha
or Up-Adhyaksha of such Zila Parishad charged with carrying
out the provisions of this Act, or any other law, shall cease
to exercise any powers and perform and discharge any
duties or functions conferred or imposed on them by or
under this Act or any other law and all such powers shall be
exercised and all such duties and functions shall be
performed and discharged by the Administrator during the
period of such appointment.
109. Removal of difficulties.— If any difficulty arises in
giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Government,
may by order, published in the Official Gazette as the
occasion may require, do anything which appears to it to be
necessary to remove the difficulty.
The Manipur Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Act,
1996
6. Amendment of Section 22 :-
In section 22 of the Act:-
(a) sub-clause (ii) of clause (b) of sub-section (1) shall
be deleted.
(b) In sub-section (2), the words "or an Administrator"
shall be deleted.
(c) In sub-section (3), for the words "cease", the word
"continue shall be substituted and the words" or an
administrator" and "or Administrator, as the case may
be" shall be deleted.
(d) In sub-section (4) the words "or Administrator", "or
the Administrator" and "or the Administrator, as the
case may be" shall be deleted.
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(e) after sub-section (4), the following sub-section (5)
shall be inserted, namely:-
" (5) Not withstanding anything contained in the
Act, if the State Government is satisfied that the
first elections to Gram Panchayats after the
commencement of this Act can not be held, the
State Government may appoint Administrative
Committees to exercise the powers and to
perform the duties and functions of the Gram
Panchayat for a period not exceeding six
months.”
[37] From the above, it is admitted position that in terms of
the mandate of Article 243E of the Constitution, the duration of
Panchayat is 5 (five) years and elections have to be concluded before
the expiry of 5 (five) years tenure or within the period of 6 (six)
months from its premature dissolution. The same is also stipulated in
Section 20 of the Act. However, on failure to elect members of the
Gram Panchayats, Deputy Commissioners have power under Section
22(1)(a)(ii)&(iii) to appoint Administrative Committees consisting of
persons qualified to be elected as members of Gram Panchayats; as
per sub-clause (2) of Section 22, the Administrative Committees shall
hold office for a period not exceeding 6 (six) months; and in terms of
sub-clause (3), Administrative Committees shall have power as
members of the Panchayats. Sub-clause (4) provides that if the Gram
Panchayat is duly constituted, the Deputy Commissioner shall notify
that the Administrative Committees shall cease to function
notwithstanding the tenure of 6 (six) months has lapsed or not. In
paragraph 56 of the order under review, it was held that
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Administrative Committees can be appointed when there is a failure
to hold election or result of the election is not effective in terms of
sub-clause (b) of Section 22.
th
[38] In the present case, 5 Manipur Panchayat Election was
th
conducted in the year 2017 and the tenure of the 5 Panchayat
expired in 2022. Thereafter, the election could not be conducted till
date as stipulated in Article 243E of the Constitution and Section 20
of the Act. By common judgment and order dated 18.04.2023 of the
Hon’ble Single Judge in W.P.(C) No. 266 of 2023, W.P.(C) No. 205 of
2023 and W.P.(C) No. 239 of 2023, the elected representatives of
Gram Panchayats (whose tenure have already expired in the year
2022, of 6 (six) districts namely, Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal,
Bishnupur, Kakching and Jiribam) were permitted to function till
issuance of notification for fresh election. The direction of the Hon’ble
Single Judge was set aside by the Division Bench of this Court in the
order under review dated 29.08.2025 passed in W.A. No. 9 of 2024,
W.A. No. 10 of 2024 and W.A. No. 11 of 2024 preferred by the State
Government making substantive findings in paragraph 64 of the
judgment and order inter alia holding that tenure of the Panchayat
would be 5 (five) years and Administrative Committees/Administrators
appointed under Sections 22, 92 and 109 of the Act cannot exceed
the period of 6(six) months; appointment orders of Administrative
Committees for Gram Panchayats and Administrators for Zila
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Parishads beyond the period of 6 (six) months and till elections are
conducted were set aside; direction to the State Government to
conduct fresh election within a period of 6 (six) months; and liberty
was given to State Government to appoint fresh Administrative
Committees for Gram Panchayats and Administrators for Zila
Parishads in terms of the provisions of Sections 22, 92 and 109 for
the period not exceeding 6 (six) months.
[39] In terms of the undertaking given by the learned Attorney
General for India, the scope of review is now reduced to sub-
paragraph (x) and (xi) of paragraph 64 regarding direction for
conducting of election within 6 (six) months and liberty to appoint
fresh Administrative Committees and Administrators for Gram
Panchayats and Zila Parishads till elections are held for a period not
exceeding 6 (six) months. State of Manipur has also filed MC(Rev.
Pet.) No. 2 of 2026 reiterating that the scope of review is confined to
sub-paragraph (x) of paragraph 64 of the imugned order dated
29.08.2025 and to clarify and suitably modify sub-paragraph (xi) of
paragraph 64 to permit State Government to appoint Administrative
Committees for Zila Parishads for wider rerpresentation in place of
Administrators in accordance with Section 109 of the Act till conduct
of election in public interest.
[40] As recorded in the proceedings dated 16.04.2026,
learned Advocate General of Manipur submitted that from the prayer
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limb (iii) of MC(Rev. Pet.) No. 2 of 2026, the words ‘till conduct of
fresh election in public interest’, on being not pressed for, stand
deleted and substantive prayer (iii) in MC(Rev.Pet.) No. 2 of 2026
confines to clarification, modification and correction of sub-paragraph
(xi) of paragraph 64 of the order under review dated 29.08.2026 to
permit the State Government to appoint Administrative Committees
of Zila Parishads in place of Administrators in terms of Section 109 of
the the Act. It is the submission of both learned Attorney General for
India and learned Advocate General of Manipur that Deputy
Commissioners have been appointed as Administrators for Zila
Parishads for 6 (six) districts. But keeping in mind this aspect, the
Administrative Committees consisting of multiple members for Zila
Parishads will be more representative and will be able to carry out
multifarious tasks of Zila Parishads. It has been pointed out that in
paragraph 61 of the order under review, the Division Bench has
already held that Administrative Committees can be appointed under
Section 109 of the Act to meet certain exigencies. Since Section 109
of the Act is a general provision without any details and in order to
have objectivity in the appointment of Administrative Committees
within the parameters of the Act, it has been held that Administrative
Committees for Gram Panchayats appointed under Section 109 of the
Act read with Section 22 of the Act cannot exceed a period of 6 (six)
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months and should be in terms of the Administrative Committees
appointed under Section 22 of the Act.
[41] We have perused the provisions of Section 92 of the Act.
As per sub-clause (1) of Section 92, State Government has power to
appoint Administrators for Zila Parishads for a period not exceeding
the period of 6 (six) months if - (a) any general election to a Zila
Parishad or any proceeding consequent upon has been stayed by an
order of competent Court or authority; or (b) all the members or more
than 2/3 of the members of the Zila Parishad have resigned. It is clear
from a plain reading of the provision of Section 92(1) that the State
Government can appoint Administrators of a Zila Parishad only in two
conditions: (i) when general election of Zila Parishad has been stayed
by competent Court or authority; or (ii) all the members or more than
2/3 of the members of the Zila Parishad have resigned. The
appointment of Administrators should not exceed a period of 6 (six)
months.
th
[42] In the present case, the tenure of 5 Manipur Panchayat
including Gram Panchayats and Zila Parishads has already expired in
the year 2022 and no election has been conducted. In sub-paragraph
(xi) of paragraph 64 of the imugned order, the State Government was
given liberty to appoint Administrative Committees for Gram
Panchayats and Administrators for Zila Parishads in terms of
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provisions of Sections 22, 92 and 109 of the Act for as period not
exceeding 6 (six) months.
[43] On careful reading of Section 92 of the Act, it is as clear
as daylight that the appointment of Administrator for Zila Parishads of
Panchayat whose tenure have already expired, is not contemplated
under Section 92(1) of the Act. It is neither a case of stay of the
election of the Zila Parishad by a competent Court or authority nor a
case where more than 2/3 members of the Zila Parishad have
th
resigned. In the present scenario of 5 Panchayat of Manipur (tenure
already expired), appointment of Administrator of Zila Parishad is not
within the ambit of Section 92(1) of the Act. It may be noted that in
paragraph 61 of the order under review dated 29.08.2025, the
Division Bench also held that in order to remove difficulties, State
authority has power to appoint Administrative Committees exercising
the extraordinary power under Section 109 of the Act and with respect
to Administrative Committees for Panchayat, the principle laid down
in Section 22 of the Act has been adopted to the extent that
Administrative Committees should not exceed period of 6 (six) months
and shall consist of equal number of members who are eligible to be
appointed as such. This finding was given reading together Section
109 and Section 22 of the Act in harmony so that any exercise for
removing difficulties and appointment Administrative Committees
shall not violate the mandatory provisions of Section 22 of the Act in
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respect of Administrative Committees of Gram Panchayat. As a
corollary of the finding in paragraph 61 of the order under review and
in view of the non-applicability of the provisions of Section 92(1) of
the Act, to the fact of the present case of expiry of tenure of the
Panchayat, we permit the State authority to appoint Administrative
Committees for Zila Parishad for a term not exceeding 6 (six) months
and not exceeding number of members of Zila Parishad as defined in
Section 49 of the Act (as amended) in exercise of extraordinary power
for removing of difficulties in Section 109 of the Act read with Section
92 of the Act. Partial review of directions in sub-paragraph (x) and (xi)
of paragraph 64 of the judgment and order under review dated
29.08.2025 is permissible under third limb of Ordre XLVII Rule 1 CPC.
CONCLUSIONS AND DECISIONS
[44] Accordingly, we partly allow the review petitions being
Rev.Pet. No. 33 of 2025, Rev.Pet. No. 34, 2025 and Rev. Pet. No. 35
of 2025 filed by State to the extent that:
(i) by modifying sub-paragraph (x) of paragraph
64 of the order under review dated 29.08.2025
to the effect that State authority and State
Election Commission are permitted to conduct
election within the agreed extended time, i.e.,
on or before 16.10.2026 for 3 (three) tier
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Panchayat election in terms of the Manipur
Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 as amended in 2023
(‘said Act’ for convenience);
(ii) sub-paragraph (xi) of paragraph 64 of the
order under review is modified to the extent
that State Government is permitted to appoint
Administrative Committees for Zila Parishads
whose tenure have already expired, in exercise
of power under Section 109 for removing of
difficulties of the said Act read with Section 92
of the said Act consisting of members who are
eligible to be members of Zila Parishad and not
exceeding number of members as stipulated in
Section 49 of the said Act;
(iii) the question of permissibility or
impermissibility for appointment of
Administrative Committees for more than one
time (multiple times) during the tenure of
Panchayat, is not an issue involved in the review
petitions and therefore the same is left open to
be adjudicated in appropriate proceedings;
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(iv) subsequent appointment of Administrative
Committees for 6 (six) districts namely, Imphal
East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur,
Kakching and Jiribam vide different notifications
dated 27.04.2026 (notified in Gazette on
28.04.2026) are left open to be adjudicated in
appropriate proceedings.
[45] Review Petitions being Rev. Pet. No. 37 of 2025, Rev.Pet.
No. 38 of 2025 and Rev. Pet. No. 39 of 2025 are disposed of with a
direction to the State authority to release amounts of honorarium due
and pending bills, to third party review petitioners for works executed
by them as members of Administrative Committees (whose
appointment orders have been quashed by order under review dated
29.08.2025) adopting procedures in vogue.
Consequently, miscellaneous applications are disposed of
as closed.
JUDGE CHIEF JUSTICE
FR/NFR
Bipin
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