Manipur Assembly Constitutional Deadlock | 04 Feb 2026

Source: TH 

The Manipur Congress president has approached the Manipur High Court, alleging unconstitutional actions by the Governor prior to the imposition of President’s Rule in February 2025, and seeking dissolution of the Manipur Legislative Assembly under Article 174 of the Constitution. 

• Background of the Issue: Manipur has a 60-member Legislative Assembly. The last sitting of the Assembly was held on 12th August 2024.  
  • Under Article 174(1) of the Constitution, no more than six months can lapse between two Assembly sittings. Hence, the Assembly had to be convened on or before 11 February 2025. 
  • On 9th February 2025, following the resignation of the Chief Minister, the Governor cancelled the session by declaring the summoning order null and void. 
  • Consequently, the Assembly failed to convene within the constitutionally mandated six-month period under Article 174(1). 
• Constitutional Debate: The petitioner argues that cancelling the Assembly sitting bypassed Article 174(1) and denied a mandatory floor test, violating constitutional morality and renders the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly constitutionally untenable, warranting its dissolution.  
  • The sequence of events is alleged to have facilitated the imposition of President’s Rule, raising serious concerns over the misuse of constitutional machinery and gubernatorial discretion. 
• Judicial Response: The Manipur High Court observed that the matter involves interpretation of Article 174, a substantial constitutional question. The case was referred to the Chief Justice for listing before a Division Bench. 
• Article 174: It deals with the sessions, prorogation, and dissolution of the State Legislature. It mandates that the Governor must summon the Legislative Assembly at least once every six months, ensuring that no more than six months elapse between two sittings.  
  • The Article also empowers the Governor to prorogue the House or dissolve the Legislative Assembly.