Constitutional Crisis Erupts in Manipur: Congress Challenges Governor's Assembly Dissolution Order in High Court

A significant constitutional confrontation has emerged in Manipur, with state Congress president K. Meghachandra Singh filing a formal petition in the Manipur High Court challenging Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla's February 9, 2025 order dissolving the legislative assembly. The petition alleges the governor's action constitutes 'unconstitutional acts' that effectively circumvent the explicit requirements of Article 174(1) of the Indian Constitution, which governs the duration and dissolution of state legislatures. This legal challenge represents a direct confrontation between political authority and constitutional procedure, raising fundamental questions about gubernatorial powers during periods of political instability. The Congress petition argues the dissolution order lacks proper constitutional foundation, potentially setting a precedent for executive overreach in state governance. Legal analysts note this case could establish crucial jurisprudence regarding the balance between gubernatorial discretion and constitutional safeguards in assembly dissolution matters. The timing coincides with heightened political tensions in the northeastern state, where governance structures have faced increasing strain. This development marks a critical escalation in Manipur's political landscape, with potential implications for constitutional interpretation and state-center relations across India's federal structure.