The Manipur High Court has closed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the order dated 17.05.2021 issued by the Additional Chief Secretary (TA & Hills), Government of Manipur, appointing the existing Chairmen of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) as Caretaker Chairmen, as an interim measure till elections are held to such Councils.
The PIL was filed by five social activists from Ukhrul, Churachandpur, Senapati, Noney and Chandel Districts in Manipur.
The failure on the part of the State in holding elections afresh to these Councils after expiry of the terms of the elected Councils in June, 2020, was attributable to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in Manipur.
While so, Lenin Hijam, Advocate General, Manipur, who appeared for the State authorities, informed the Court that the State Cabinet has taken a decision to hold fresh elections to these Councils before the end of November 2022.
He further stated that formal notifications are yet to be issued in that regard.
In the light of the firm commitment given by the Advocate General, Manipur, on the basis of the instructions received by him, the Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice M.V. Muralidaran opined that it would suffice at this stage if the commitment of the State authorities is taken on record and they are permitted sufficient time to make good on such commitment.