The High Court of Manipur at Imphal — one of India’s most recently established independent High Courts — is the apex judicial institution for the state of Manipur, a culturally vibrant and geographically distinct state in the northeastern corner of India bordered by Myanmar to the east and south. Formally established on March 23, 2013, through amendments to the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971, and inaugurated on March 25, 2013, the Manipur High Court marked a watershed moment in the state’s judicial history — ending over four decades of dependency on the Gauhati High Court’s Imphal Bench and creating an independent superior court with full constitutional authority to develop state-specific jurisprudence. Despite being among India’s smallest High Courts by sanctioned judge strength, the Manipur High Court carries an institutional responsibility of profound significance — serving a population of approximately 3.5 million citizens across a state known for its rich tribal diversity, unique customary legal traditions, and complex socio-political dynamics.
History
Manipur’s judicial history reflects the broader trajectory of its political development. When the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971 established the Gauhati High Court as a common court for the northeastern region, Manipur came under its jurisdiction. When Manipur attained statehood, the Imphal Bench of the Gauhati High Court came into existence on January 21, 1972 — the very day Manipur became a state.
The next institutional milestone arrived on January 21, 1992, when the President of India notified the establishment of the Permanent Bench of the Gauhati High Court at Imphal. This Permanent Bench was inaugurated by then Chief Justice of India Justice M.H. Kania in the presence of the Governor of Manipur and the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court. The permanent bench served Manipur’s growing judicial needs until the demand for a fully independent High Court grew decisive.
On April 7, 2012, the Imphal Permanent Bench began functioning from a new complex. On May 16, 2012, Parliament passed an amendment to the North-Eastern Areas Reorganisation Act enabling the creation of separate High Courts for Meghalaya, Manipur, and Tripura. Accordingly, on March 23, 2013, the High Court of Manipur came into existence as a fully independent institution. Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre — who would later be elevated to the Supreme Court of India — was appointed the first Chief Justice, and on March 25, 2013, then Chief Justice of India Justice Altamas Kabir formally inaugurated the High Court in the presence of the Chief Minister and the Union Minister of Law and Justice.
Structure and Composition
| Dimension | Detail |
| Established | March 23, 2013 |
| Formally inaugurated | March 25, 2013 — by CJI Justice Altamas Kabir |
| First Chief Justice | Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre |
| Imphal Bench (predecessor) | January 21, 1972 — Gauhati High Court |
| Permanent Bench at Imphal | January 21, 1992 — inaugurated by CJI M.H. Kania |
| Location | Imphal, Manipur |
| Sanctioned judge strength | 5 judges (4 Permanent + 1 Additional) |
| Working strength (2025) | 3 judges |
| Current Chief Justice | Justice M. Sundar — since September 15, 2025 |
| Jurisdiction | Entire state of Manipur |
| No. of positions | 4 |
Architecture and Digital Infrastructure
The Manipur High Court operates from the new complex at Imphal inaugurated by Justice Altamas Kabir in 2012 — a purpose-built modern judicial facility designed to provide Manipur’s litigants and legal community with a properly equipped superior court infrastructure independent of the Gauhati High Court’s parent seat in Guwahati. The complex houses courtrooms, judges’ chambers, a registry, advocates’ facilities, and administrative offices suited to the functioning of an independent High Court.
Despite its modest size, the Manipur High Court has adopted digital court infrastructure — virtual hearing facilities, e-filing systems, and video-conferencing links between the court and subordinate courts across the state’s districts have been implemented to overcome the geographic and security challenges that affect Manipur’s terrain and administrative conditions. The court’s digital infrastructure has been particularly significant given the state’s recurring law and order situations, which have on several occasions made physical attendance at courts challenging — making virtual court facilities not merely a convenience but an essential component of continuous justice delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When was the Manipur High Court established?
A: March 23, 2013, through amendments to the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971.
Q: Who was the first Chief Justice?
A: Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre, appointed March 23, 2013 — later elevated to the Supreme Court of India.
Q: Where is the court located?
A: Imphal, the capital of Manipur.
Q: What is the sanctioned judge strength?
A: 5 judges — 4 permanent and 1 additional. As of 2025, 3 judges are working.
Q: What was the predecessor to the Manipur High Court?
A: The Permanent Bench of the Gauhati High Court at Imphal, established January 21, 1992.
Q: Who inaugurated the Manipur High Court?
A: Then Chief Justice of India Justice Altamas Kabir, on March 25, 2013.
Q: Does it have benches in other cities?
A: No — single principal seat at Imphal.
