The Manipur High Court has directed the Centre to keep the Census 2027 exercise in the State on hold until April 30, 2027. The order allows the Central government to examine concerns over displaced residents, population records and the proposed census process amid the prevailing situation in Manipur.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice M Sundar and Justice A Guneshwar Sharma directed the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India to consider seven representations and pass a reasoned order by April 30, 2027. The existing notifications suspending the exercise will remain in force without modification until then.

"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," the Bench said.

The Court also directed that the census remain suspended for four weeks after the authorities decide on the representations. This will allow aggrieved parties to challenge the decision.

The November 4 judgment came in a public interest litigation filed by the Kangleipak Students' Association (KSA) and International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA), along with a connected petition by Shanta Singh Nahakpam.

The petitioners questioned the accuracy of population records amid the displacement caused by ethnic violence in Manipur. They also raised concerns over identifying internally displaced persons and conducting the census without first addressing these issues.

The proceedings referred to resolutions unanimously passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly on August 5, 2022, and March 1, 2024, seeking the introduction and enforcement of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

During earlier hearings, the petitioners requested a postponement until their concerns were addressed. On August 31, the Centre informed the High Court that it had decided to defer house-listing operations for Census 2027 in Manipur. The State government also assured the Court that it would not begin the exercise scheduled for September 1, 2026.

The Registrar General and Census Commissioner subsequently issued notifications on September 5 and October 30 regarding the postponement. Taking note of these developments, the Court recorded that the exercise was already on hold. It also noted that all parties agreed that examining the representations would serve the larger public interest.

The Bench directed the Census Commissioner to examine all seven representations and issue a common reasoned order. It appreciated the balanced approach adopted by the lawyers representing the parties.

"Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, the nature of the matter, larger public interest and national interest involved, this Court deems it appropriate to place on record its appreciation for all counsel, senior counsel, learned Advocate General and learned DSGI for taking a very fair and balanced approach to the matter without treating the same like a regular adversarial legal drill," the Bench added.

The Court allowed individuals and organisations, including the petitioners, to submit additional representations until November 25, 2026. It also permitted public consultations. Any decision against holding consultations must include reasons.

The final order must reach the petitioners' lawyers within five working days and appear on the official websites of the Manipur government and the Census Commissioner. Parties dissatisfied with the decision can approach the High Court, which will independently examine their grievances.

Senior Advocate Kh Tarunkumar appeared for the PIL petitioners, while Advocate Hijam Chandrakumar Singh represented the connected petitioner. Senior Advocate and Deputy Solicitor General Kh Samarjit represented the Centre. Senior Advocate and Manipur Advocate General Lenin Hijam appeared for the State.