High Court decrees on Ukhrul Autonomous District Council (ADC)
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 30 2011: The Gauhati High Court has directed the Government of Manipur to show cause as to why the Ukhrul Autonomous District Council (ADC) is not functioning at the district headquarters.

Double Bench of Gauhati Court comprising Justices AK Goel and Avina Hazarika in a ruling on September 27 directed the Chief Secretary of Manipur, who is a Respondent in the case between Vareiyo Shatsang vs State of Manipur and others, to respond within December 12, 2011 why Ukhrul ADC should not function from the district headquarters.

In the PIL, the State government was represented by advocate General N Koteswor Singh whereas Senior Counsel PC Das represented the petitioner namely Vareiyo Shatsang of Ukhrul.

The petitioner pleaded for direction to the State government not to interfere with the administration of ADC Ukhrul as well as to direct the ADC to function at the district headquarters.

The petition further stated that District Council under Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act, 1971 was basically framed for administration of hill areas in Manipur, as such its present functioning from Khuman Lampak in Imphal is clearly outside the purview of the 1971 Act.

In the first hearing at Division No.2 of Gauhati High Court, the Advocate General argued that ADC Ukhrul cannot function from the district headquarters due to threats from NSCN.

However, Justices AK Goel and Avina Hazarika rejected the argument saying as it was political argument and asked for legal justification.

Along with directing the State Government the Court transferred the case to Imphal Bench for the next hearing on December 12 .

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