Supreme Court Upholds Delay for Manipur Panchayat Elections

Imphal: The Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the delayed panchayat elections in Manipur. The state now has until October 16, 2026, to hold the vote. Justices N. Kotiswar Singh and N. V. Anjaria dismissed the appeal on July 2. They found no merit in the case brought by Pheiroijam Heramani and others.

Manipur Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench that the state must follow the High Court order. Failure to meet the deadline could trigger contempt proceedings. The court agreed with this assessment. Officials cited "extraordinary circumstances" regarding the delay.

Law and order problems forced the change. The state has operated under President's Rule since February 2025. The High Court previously ruled that the state must implement a three-tier Panchayati Raj system. The government initially asked for more time after an August 2025 order demanded elections within six months. The court accepted that immediate voting was not possible.