National desk
20 November
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
The Supreme Court has given the Manipur government eight weeks to respond to a petition challenging the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the state. The ILP, required for outsiders to enter Manipur, is also enforced in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram.
A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Rai and SVN Bhatti granted time after the Manipur government’s counsel requested it. The petition, filed by the group ‘Amra Bengali,’ also challenges the Manipur Inner Line Permit Guidelines, 2019. The plea claims the guidelines violate citizens’ fundamental rights under Articles 14, 15, 19, and 21 of the Constitution by restricting the entry and exit of non-indigenous people.
The petition argues that the ILP gives the state excessive power over non-residents, impacting tourism—a major source of revenue for the region. It was also highlighted that the restrictions could discourage national unity and mobility within the country.
The apex court had earlier issued a notice to the Centre and Manipur government on January 3, 2022, regarding the matter. The petitioners assert that the ILP adversely affects economic development while undermining constitutional rights and freedoms.