Manipur High Court Stays 78 University Appointments Over Alleged Irregularities
A Division Bench of the High Court of Manipur has stayed the issuance of appointment orders to candidates declared successful in the recruitment of 78 Group-B and Group-C posts at Manipur University (MU), citing a prima facie case against the Cadre Recruitment Rules (CRR).
Court’s Interim Order
After hearing arguments from counsel representing the petitioners and the respondents, the Bench observed that the balance of convenience lay in favour of halting the appointment process until the matter is fully adjudicated.
The interim order was passed on February 25, 2026, in connection with a writ petition (Civil) filed by Wangkhem Ranjan and Sukham Bidyananda. The petitioners have alleged violations and irregularities in the recruitment procedure. The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for March 10, 2026.
The court’s directive effectively pauses the issuance of joining orders to the selected candidates until further orders.
Allegations of Irregularities
In a related development, the Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA) has alleged large-scale irregularities in the recruitment of non-teaching staff and demanded an immediate probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
KSA Secretary-General Babulu Huirongbam accused the Vice-Chancellor of conducting the recruitment process in alleged connivance with certain faculty members, describing it as a “well-planned scam.”
The Socialist Students’ Union of Manipur (SSUM) and KSA further alleged that a significant number of selected candidates are relatives of senior university officials.
According to the KSA, the recruitment examination was conducted on January 29, 2026, despite prior allegations of procedural lapses. The original recruitment notification had been issued on May 13, 2025.
Students’ Union Reaction
The Manipur University Students’ Union (MUSU) confirmed that the High Court had stayed the joining orders following the declaration of results.
MUSU president Nongpoknganba Yambem stated that the union would not allow the recruitment process to proceed until a thorough and transparent investigation is conducted.
Hoax Bomb Incident Raises Tension
Referring to a hoax bomb incident reported on the university campus on February 24, the MUSU president suggested a possible link to the ongoing recruitment controversy.
He said an explosive-like device was planted by unidentified individuals in a residential area of the campus, causing panic among students and staff. Although later determined to be a hoax, the incident heightened tensions amid the recruitment row.
Calling the matter serious, he stressed that acts fostering fear and insecurity on campus must not be repeated.
Awaiting Further Proceedings
With the High Court’s interim stay in place and student bodies demanding a CBI probe, the recruitment controversy at Manipur University is expected to intensify in the coming days. All eyes are now on the next hearing scheduled for March 10, which could determine the future course of the disputed appointments.
