Imphal: The Supreme Court dismissed a plea challenging the Manipur High Court’s decision to extend the deadline for local body elections to October 16, 2026.
The apex court’s ruling ensures that the revised timeline stays in force, allowing the state to hold the long-awaited 6th General Panchayat Elections, reports stated.
Democracy at the grassroots level is set to finally make its long-awaited return to Manipur. Putting a definitive end to months of legal and administrative delays, the Supreme Court on July 2 officially dismissed a petition challenging the High Court’s revised electoral timeline.
With the apex court’s seal of approval, the state government is now legally bound to conduct the 6th General Panchayat Elections by October 16, 2026.
Following this green light, the State Cabinet has scheduled polling for October 1, bringing renewed hope for transparent, people-centric governance across the valley districts.
The State Election Commission had earlier finalized the comprehensive electoral schedule to restore the two-tier Panchayati Raj system across the valley districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Thoubal, and Bishnupur.
The public notification will be issued on August 21, 2026. The last date for nominations is August 28, 2026. Scrutiny of papers will be conducted on August 29, 2026.
The last date for withdrawal of candidatures is September 1, 2026. The official polling date is October 1, 2026.
Re-polling, if required, will be held on October 5, 2026. Vote counting will take place on October 8, 2026.
The elections have been delayed since the previous term expired in 2022. The 6th general election was originally scheduled for June 2023 but was canceled due to the law and order situation in the state. Local administration is currently being managed by administrative committees.