IT News
Imphal, Mar 4:
The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has urged the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, to remove all political appointees, including the Advocate General of the Manipur High Court. A memorandum in this regard was submitted to the Governor today, seeking fresh appointments for such posts.
Speaking at a press conference held at Congress Bhavan, Rabi Khan, Vice-Chairman of the MPCC Legal Department, pointed out that despite the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13, 2025, several political appointees remain in office. He highlighted that these positions, including statutory bodies such as commissions, boards, corporations, and government undertakings, were filled during the tenure of the BJP-led government, which ended on February 9, 2025. However, many appointees have not resigned or been removed, particularly the Advocate General of the Manipur High Court.
Rabi Khan further elaborated that under Article 165 of the Indian Constitution, the Advocate General serves at the pleasure of the Governor and is expected to resign following the resignation of the ruling Chief Minister. Since the previous Advocate General was appointed under the leadership of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, continuing in office without a fresh appointment order goes against the principles of natural justice and the doctrine of pleasure, he asserted.
He also raised concerns regarding certain appointments made by the previous government, including the Chairman of the Manipur State Minorities Commission. According to him, reliable sources indicate that some appointments were made in violation of Section 3(2) of the Manipur State Minorities Commission Act, 2010. The Act mandates that the Chairperson and two members must be nominated by the State Government from persons of eminence, ability, and integrity belonging to notified minority communities.
Emphasizing the need for corrective action, Rabi Khan urged the Governor to ensure that all political posts are vacated and fresh appointments are made. He warned that failure to act during President’s Rule could allow unfair and potentially illegal practices of the previous administration to persist.
