HC defers census, next hearing on October 12
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 31 2026: Amidst the strong and sustained mass movement for updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before census, the High Court of Manipur has deferred the census exercise including the house listing process in the State until further orders.

The next hearing will be taken up on October 12 .

The High Court issued a directive to this effect today after hearing a public interest litigation and a writ.

The PIL was filed by the Kangleipak Students' Association (KSA) and International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) collectively while the writ petition was filed by Shanta Nahakpam, convenor of the 14 CSOs Kangleipak.

Both the petitions sought directions from the High Court for updating the NRC with 1951 as the base year and steps to address the issue of illegal immigrants, particularly from neighbouring Myanmar.

After hearing the two petitions, a special bench comprising Chief Justice M Sundar and Justice A Guneswar Sharma passed a directive to defer the house listing work until further orders.

Listing the two petitions for next hearing on October 12, 2026, the High Court order annulled the notification issued by the Commissioner (Home) on March 22, 2026 in connection with the house listing process of the census exercise till October 12 .

The respondents of the PIL are Union of India (through Secretary, MHA), Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, Director, Census Operation Manipur and Chief Principal Census Officer, State of Manipur (through Chief Secretary) and Commissioner (Home) .

In addition to these five respondents, the respondents of the writ petition also include Joint Secretary (Home).

Speaking to media persons at the gate of the High Court, 14 CSOs Kangleipak convenor Shanta Nahakpam welcomed the High Court's judgement and remarked that it was a victory for the people of Manipur.

Shanta said that they filed the writ petition and a delegation went to Delhi and met Central leaders for they believed that the issue must be pursued on both political and legal fronts.

He also decried attempts to portray the 14 CSOs' movement in the wrong light.

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