Manipur High Court: Everything You Need to Know About Its Legal Jurisdiction

The North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971 and constitutional amendments led to the creation of the Manipur High Court on March 25, 2013.has its headquarters in Imphal and is in charge of the whole state of Manipur. Prior to its creation, the state’s legal proceedings were handled by the Gauhati High Court’s Imphal Bench, which was established in 1992 and continued to operate until the state received its own independent High Court in 2013.

Now On May 22, 2025, Justice Kempaiah Somashekar took over as Chief Justice of Manipur, succeeding Justice D. Krishnakumar.In order to guarantee greater access to justice, the High Court has aggressively embraced digital change by introducing hybrid hearing technologies that permit both in-person and virtual court appearances. additionally established e-office procedures and required e-filing of cases for administrative efficiency.

Read More: Latest News and Judgements From Gauhati High Court

1. Manipur High Court history

Compared to several other Indian High Courts, the Manipur High Court is relatively new. The Gauhati High Court initially oversaw Manipur’s legal system, and in 1992 it established an Imphal Bench to hear Manipur-related cases.When Manipur became a full-fledged state in 1972, the desire for a distinct High Court intensified.On March 25, 2013, the Manipur High Court was formally founded in accordance with Article 214 of the Indian Constitution.This was carried out in response to the Manipur High Court Act and the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act of 1971.In March 2013, Justice Altamas Kabir, the Chief Justice of India at the time, officially opened the court.Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre served as the Manipur High Court’s first Chief Justice.

Before 2013, Manipur cases were handled by the Gauhati High Court, Imphal Bench.This bench was created to reduce the inconvenience for litigants who earlier had to travel to Assam for cases.

2. Important judgements of Manipur High Court1. Recognition and Documentation — Rights of Transgender

Using the provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, the Manipur High Court upheld the right of transgender people to change their name and gender in official and educational documents. All state “establishments” are covered by this ruling, which upholds equality and identity recognition. The story of Dr. Beoncy Laishram, the first transwoman physician in Northeast India, provided a moving example of the consequences of this verdict. The court established a solid precedent for such situations in the future by directing officials to reissue her academic certificates with her true identity within a month.

2. Public Interest Litigation on Road Safety

The High Court took suo motu cognizance of the state’s severe road maintenance deficiencies and filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to address the state’s failing road infrastructure, which constituted a major risk to public safety, particularly during the monsoon season. High-ranking authorities, such as the Chief Secretary and PWD engineers, were asked to respond promptly by the court, which also ordered a status review of all relevant agencies.

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3. Jiribam Killings — Directive to NIA

The Manipur High Court issued a high-profile order requiring the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to submit a chargesheet for the November 2024 killings in Jiribam, which claimed six lives, including women and children, within a month. This demonstrates the court’s determination to deliver justice quickly in delicate cases.

Founded in 2013, the Manipur High Court is essential to maintaining the state’s rule of law, justice, and constitutional principles. As Manipur’s highest court, it upholds balances on executive activities, protects fundamental rights, and resolves important concerns through progressive rulings and public interest lawsuits. The court shows its dedication to providing accessible, effective, and inclusive justice by implementing digital initiatives, holding hybrid hearings, and emphasizing public welfare and human rights. Its developing jurisprudence demonstrates both legal excellence and regional sensitivity to equality and social fairness.

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