4 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Manipur Congress Leader Seeks Dissolution of Assembly in High Court

Congress leader challenges Governor's actions, seeks dissolution of Manipur Legislative Assembly.

Photo by Brett Jordan

Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra Singh has petitioned the Manipur High Court, challenging Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla's actions related to President’s Rule imposed on February 13, 2025. The petition seeks the dissolution of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly under Article 174(2) of the Constitution of India. The petitioner argues that the Assembly, which last convened on August 12, 2024, should have met again before February 11, 2025, according to Article 174(1). The Congress president contends that the Governor's order on February 9, 2025, circumvented the constitutional requirement for timely Assembly sittings. He also argues that any floor test for a new Chief Minister would violate Article 174(1). The court has referred the case to a Division Bench for interpretation of Article 174. Meanwhile, the Kangpokpi District Internally Displaced Welfare Committee has rejected the March 31 deadline for resettlement of internally displaced persons, citing lack of infrastructure.

Key Facts

Petitioner: Keisham Meghachandra Singh, Congress president

Challenge: Governor's actions related to President's Rule

Seeks: Dissolution of 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly

Last Assembly sitting: August 12, 2024

President’s Rule imposed: February 13, 2025

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Constitutional provisions, functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, Parliament and State Legislatures

Connects to the syllabus by highlighting the interpretation and application of constitutional articles related to state legislatures and the Governor's powers.

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs, analytical questions on the role of the Governor, critical evaluation of President's Rule.

Visual Insights

Manipur: Location of Political Developments

Map showing Manipur, where the Congress leader has filed a petition regarding the dissolution of the Assembly.

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📍Manipur📍Kangpokpi

More Information

Background

The Constitution of India outlines the structure and powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. Article 174 specifically deals with the sessions of the State Legislature, prorogation, and dissolution. It ensures that the legislature meets regularly to maintain accountability and responsiveness to the needs of the state. The requirement for timely Assembly sittings, as highlighted in Article 174(1), is rooted in the principles of parliamentary democracy. This provision aims to prevent prolonged periods of executive rule without legislative oversight. The Governor, as the constitutional head of the state, plays a crucial role in summoning and proroguing the Assembly. The imposition of President's Rule under Article 356 is a significant intervention in state governance. It is invoked when the constitutional machinery of a state breaks down. However, the use of Article 356 has been subject to judicial scrutiny to prevent its misuse and protect the federal structure of India.

Latest Developments

Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of the Governor's role in state politics, particularly concerning the summoning of assemblies and the formation of governments. Cases involving floor tests and the interpretation of Article 174 have frequently reached the courts, highlighting the ongoing tension between the executive and legislative branches. The issue of internally displaced persons (IDPs), as mentioned in the context of Manipur, is a growing concern in various parts of India. Factors such as ethnic conflicts, natural disasters, and development projects contribute to internal displacement. The rehabilitation and resettlement of IDPs require comprehensive policies and effective implementation. Looking ahead, the interpretation of constitutional provisions like Article 174 by the judiciary will continue to shape the dynamics of state governance. The balance between the powers of the Governor, the Chief Minister, and the State Legislature will remain a subject of debate and legal challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the constitutional basis for the Manipur Congress leader's petition seeking dissolution of the Assembly?

The petition is based on Article 174(2) of the Constitution of India, which deals with the Governor's power to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly. The petitioner also argues that Article 174(1), concerning timely Assembly sittings, was circumvented.

2. Why is the Manipur Congress leader seeking dissolution of the Assembly now?

The Congress leader argues that the Assembly, which last met on August 12, 2024, should have convened again before February 11, 2025, as per Article 174(1). He contends that the Governor's order on February 9, 2025, circumvented this constitutional requirement, and the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13, 2025, further complicates the situation.

3. What is Article 174 of the Constitution of India about?

Article 174 of the Constitution of India deals with the sessions of the State Legislature, prorogation, and dissolution. It ensures that the legislature meets regularly to maintain accountability and responsiveness to the needs of the state.

4. What are the key dates to remember regarding this Manipur political situation for the UPSC exam?

Key dates include: August 12, 2024 (Last Assembly sitting), February 9, 2025 (Governor's order), and February 13, 2025 (President’s Rule imposed).

Exam Tip

Remember these dates in chronological order to avoid confusion in Prelims MCQs.

5. What is the significance of the Governor's role in this issue?

The Governor's actions, specifically the order on February 9, 2025, are being challenged as circumventing the constitutional requirement for timely Assembly sittings. The petitioner argues that the Governor's actions led to the imposition of President's Rule.

6. How might this situation in Manipur impact common citizens?

Political instability and President's Rule can disrupt governance and development activities, potentially affecting the delivery of essential services and implementation of welfare schemes for common citizens. Prolonged periods of instability can also create uncertainty and anxiety among the population.

7. Why is this news about Manipur's political situation important for UPSC preparation?

This news highlights the application and interpretation of constitutional provisions like Article 174, the role of the Governor, and the implications of President's Rule. Understanding these aspects is crucial for both Prelims and Mains exams, particularly in Polity and Governance sections.

8. What are the potential consequences if the High Court upholds the Congress leader's petition?

If the High Court upholds the petition, the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly could be dissolved. This could lead to fresh elections in the state, impacting the current political landscape and potentially altering the ruling coalition.

9. What is the main challenge presented by this case regarding Article 174(1)?

The main challenge is the interpretation of 'timely Assembly sittings' as mandated by Article 174(1). The court needs to determine if the Governor's actions and the subsequent imposition of President's Rule violated the spirit of this article by preventing the Assembly from meeting within a reasonable timeframe.

10. Who are the key personalities involved in this Manipur political issue?

The key personalities include Keisham Meghachandra Singh (Manipur Congress president and petitioner), Ajay Kumar Bhalla (Governor), and N. Biren Singh (likely the former Chief Minister).

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding Article 174 of the Constitution of India: 1. It deals with the sessions of the State Legislature, prorogation, and dissolution. 2. It mandates that the Governor shall summon the House to meet within six months of its last sitting. 3. It empowers the Governor to dissolve the Legislative Assembly. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All three statements are correct. Article 174 of the Constitution of India indeed deals with the sessions of the State Legislature, prorogation, and dissolution. Article 174(1) mandates that the Governor shall summon the House to meet within six months of its last sitting. Article 174(2) empowers the Governor to dissolve the Legislative Assembly.

2. In the context of the recent petition filed in the Manipur High Court, which of the following statements accurately reflects the petitioner's argument regarding Article 174(1)?

A.Article 174(1) allows the Governor to extend the period between two Assembly sessions indefinitely.
B.Article 174(1) requires the Assembly to meet at least once every six months.
C.Article 174(1) is not applicable when President's Rule is in effect.
D.Article 174(1) only applies to newly formed Assemblies.

Show Answer

Answer: B

The petitioner argues that Article 174(1) requires the Assembly to meet at least once every six months. The Manipur Assembly last convened on August 12, 2024, and according to the petitioner, should have met again before February 11, 2025.

3. Which of the following situations can lead to the imposition of President's Rule in a state under Article 356 of the Constitution of India?

A.When the state government fails to maintain law and order.
B.When the state government is unable to repay its debts.
C.When the constitutional machinery of the state breaks down.
D.When the state government disagrees with the policies of the central government.

Show Answer

Answer: C

President's Rule can be imposed under Article 356 when the constitutional machinery of the state breaks down. This includes situations where the government cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

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