Politics · India · 3 hrs ago
Manipur Census to stay on hold until April 30, 2027, High Court says
Manipur’s 2027 Census will remain on hold until April 30, 2027, following an order by the state’s High Court.
The Census is a population count, and its first stage, house-listing, had been scheduled to begin in Manipur on September 1, 2026.
Petitioners said displacement from ethnic violence could make the count inaccurate, with thousands of people affected since violence began in May 2023.
Some groups also want the National Register of Citizens updated before the Census, while other organisations oppose that demand.
The court told national Census officials to assess seven representations and give a reasoned decision by April 30, 2027.
People and organisations may submit further representations by November 25, 2026, and officials may hold public consultations.
The Census must stay suspended for four weeks after the decision, giving those who disagree time to return to court.
The High Court of Manipur ordered the state’s Census exercise to remain on hold until April 30, 2027.
The court directed the Registrar General of India and the Census Commissioner to assess representations and issue a reasoned decision by that date.
Individuals and organisations may submit further representations by November 25, 2026.
The petitions raised concerns about the accuracy of a population count while thousands of people remain displaced by ethnic violence.
The court said the Census must remain suspended for four weeks after the authorities’ decision so it can be challenged.
- Who
- The High Court of Manipur, the Registrar General of India and the Census Commissioner, and the petitioners.
- What
- The court ordered the Census to remain on hold until April 30, 2027, while authorities consider representations.
- When
- The court’s order was issued on November 4, 2026. Further representations may be submitted by November 25.
- Where
- Manipur, India.
- Why
- Petitioners raised concerns about conducting an accurate count amid displacement caused by ethnic violence and other concerns about the exercise.
Groups seeking an NRC update before the Census
Pro-Census Kuki-Zo organisations
Order of exercises
Groups seeking an NRC update before the Census
Meitei and Naga organisations want the citizens’ register updated before the Census.
Pro-Census Kuki-Zo organisations
They see the NRC demand as premature and unjustified.
The Centre told the court it would postpone house-listing in Manipur, and the State government agreed to put its schedule on hold.
The Centre issued a notification deferring the Census exercise in Manipur.
A notification set population enumeration for late January to the end of February 2027, with Manipur excluded from the nationwide headcount until further declaration.
The High Court issued its order keeping the Census on hold until April 30, 2027.
Deadline for individuals and organisations to submit further representations.
Deadline for authorities to issue a reasoned decision on the representations.
- Census pause
- Until April 30, 2027
- Further representations
- Due by November 25, 2026
- Petitions
- Shanta Singh Nahakpam; Kangleipak Students’ Association; International Peace and Social Advancement
- Displacement
- Thousands of people displaced by ethnic violence that began in May 2023
- Review period
- Four weeks after the authorities’ decision
2 sources
What people are saying
To put it differently, the census exercise for the State of Manipur will continue to be put on hold/kept in abeyance till 30.04.2027
If it (public consultation) is considered not necessary, the reasons shall be set out in the common speaking order