The Supreme Court has given the Manipur government eight weeks to respond to a petition challenging the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, which restricts the entry of non-indigenous people into the state.
New Delhi:On November 20, the Supreme Court of India granted the Manipur government an eight-week extension to respond to a petition challenging the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the state. This development comes after the state requested more time. Manipur, which is the fourth state in India to implement the ILP regime, joins Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram in enforcing this permit system.The ILP requires outsiders, including individuals from other states, to obtain permission before entering these regions. The petition, filed by the ‘Amra Bangalee’ organization, argues that the ILP gives the state unchecked power to limit the entry and exit of non-indigenous people. It claims that the system undermines social integration, economic growth, and technological progress beyond the Inner Line, and adversely impacts tourism, a key source of revenue.The plea also contests the Manipur Inner Line Permit Guidelines of 2019, alleging that they infringe upon citizens’ fundamental rights guaranteed by Articles 14, 15, 19, and 21 of the Indian Constitution. The Supreme Court had previously issued notices to the Centre and the Manipur government in January 2022, and now awaits their response within the specified timeframe.
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