Asem Sunil Meitei & 15 Ors vs State Of Manipur & Anr
2026 Latest Caselaw 227 Mani

Manipur High Court

Asem Sunil Meitei & 15 Ors vs State Of Manipur & Anr on 3 February, 2026

Author: A. Guneshwar Sharma

Bench: A. Guneshwar Sharma

                                                        Suppl. 2 Item No. 2-3


             IN THE HIGH COURT OF MANIPUR
                       AT IMPHAL

                      WP(C) No. 83 of 2026 with
                      MC(WP(C) No. 90 of 2026

       Asem Sunil Meitei & 15 Ors.
                                                      .....Petitioner/s

                                 - Versus -

       State of Manipur & Anr.
                                                      .... Respondent/s

BEFORE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE A. GUNESHWAR SHARMA

Order

03.02.2026

[1] Present Mr. HS. Paonam, learned senior counsel assisted by Mr. A. Arunkumar, learned counsel on behalf of the petitioners and Mr. Th. Sukumar, learned G.A. on behalf of the State respondent.

[2] By the present petition, the petitioners are challenging the impugned order dated 23.01.2026 issued by the Chief Engineer, Water Resources Department whereby the notification dated 26.10.2019 issued by the Water Resources Department for recruitment of 7 (seven) category of posts in Grade-III & Grade-IV for a total post of 62 (sixty two).

[3] It is stated that the petitioners have applied for the same. The petitioners and others have appeared in the written test and till date, result of the examination is not declared. It is also submitted that 6 (six) writ petitions i.e. WP(C) Nos. 656 of 2025, 657 of 2025, 658 of 2025, 661 of 2025, 662 of 2025 & 663 of 2025 are also pending before this Court where there is a prayer for declaration of the result of the examination in pursuance to the notification dated 26.10.2019.

[4] The notification dated 26.10.2019 has been cancelled by the impugned notification dated 23.01.2026 without assigning any reason. However, in a letter dated 17.12.2025 written by the Chief Engineer, Water Resources Department to the Deputy Government Advocate, High Court, it is stated that the notification dated 26.10.2019 will be cancelled and fresh process for direct recruitment on contractual basis will be undertaken.

[5] Mr. HS. Paonam, learned senior counsel for the petitioner, submits that the rule cannot be changed once the game has started and prays that the impugned order may be stayed. [6] However, Mr. Th. Sukumar, learned G.A., submits that he may be given some time to take instruction.

[7] Since learned G.A. has taken time for taking instruction, status quo as on date regarding appointment of Grade-III & IV in terms of the notification dated 26.10.2019 be maintained till next date. [8] List this case on 06.02.2026 in the motion column. [9] Furnish a copy of this order to the learned G.A. for taking instruction.

KH.      Digitally signed
         by KH. JOSHUA
JOSHUA   MARING
         Date: 2026.02.05                                                      JUDGE
MARING   10:26:50 +05'30'
                          Kh. Joshua Maring