LANGKHANPAU GUITE Vs. STATE OF MANIPUR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Shri N. Ibotombi, learned Senior Advocate appearing for the petitioners; Shri R.K. Nokulsana, learned Senior Advocate assisted by Shri Y. Arunkumar, learned counsel appearing for the respondent No. 4; Shri S. Rupachandra, learned Addl. Advocate General appearing for the respondent Nos. 1 and 2 and Shri H. Kenajit, learned counsel appearing for the respondent No. 3.

(2.) Both the writ petitions are being disposed of by this common judgment and order as the issues involved therein have arisen out of the similar set of facts.W.P. (C ) NO. 36 OF 2018:

(3.) The Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Act, 1971 (hereinafter referred to as "the Hill Areas Act, 1971") was enacted by the Parliament for constitution of Autonomous District Councils in the hill areas of the then Union Territory of Manipur and for matters relating to powers and functions of the Autonomous District Councils and incidental thereto. In exercise of power conferred under the provisions of Sec. 3 of the said Hill Areas Act, 1971, the State of Manipur issued a Notification dated 14-02-1972 constituting six Autonomous District Councils viz. (i) Manipur North Autonomous District Council; (ii) Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council; (iii) Manipur East Autonomous District Council; (iv) Tengnoupal Autonomous District Council; (v) Manipur South Autonomous District Council and (vi) Manipur West Autonomous District Council. The said Autonomous District Councils came to be renamed as the Chandel, Churachandpur, Tamenglong, Ukhrul, Sadar Hills/Kangpokpi and Senapati Autonomous District Councils respectively.