Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K. Meghachandra has filed a writ petition in the High Court of Manipur alleging unconstitutional actions by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla under Article 174(1) of the Indian Constitution. The petition also seeks the dissolution of the remaining term of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly under Article 174(2).
Meghachandra approached the High Court on January 29, requesting the Chief Justice to have the matter heard by an appropriate Division Bench. According to the petition, the MPCC chief has challenged what he describes as unconstitutional acts by the Governor and has sought judicial intervention regarding the future of the current Assembly.
Senior Advocate N. Bhupendra Meitei is representing the petitioner. The Union of India and other respondents are being represented by Deputy Solicitor General of India Kh. Samarjit, assisted by N. Nongdamba. The Manipur government is represented by Advocate General Lenin Hijam and Deputy Government Advocate O. Raran Kumar.
The High Court observed that the matter involves the interpretation of Article 174 of the Constitution of India, which deals with the powers of the Governor to summon, prorogue, and dissolve the State Legislature. In view of the constitutional issues involved, the case has been referred to Chief Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma for consideration by an appropriate Division Bench.
As per the court record, the matter was referred under Rule 3 Sub Rule (1)(d) of Chapter IV-A of the High Court of Manipur Rules, 2019, which provides for cases involving important legal or constitutional questions to be placed before a Division Bench.
The court also clarified that no legal notices have yet been issued to any of the respondents. The registry has been directed only to place the file before the Chief Justice for further administrative orders regarding the listing of the case.
