• The Supreme Court sought responses from the Centre and the Manipur government on a plea challenging the system of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the state.

• The plea contended that the ILP provides unrestrained power to the state to restrict entry and exit of non-indigenous people or those who are not permanent residents of Manipur.

• The plea has also challenged the Manipur Inner Line Permit Guidelines, 2019.

• It stated that the 2019 order violates fundamental rights of citizens guaranteed under Articles 14, 15, 19 and 21 of the Constitution since it grants unqualified power to the state to restrict entry and exit of non-indigenous people.

What is the ILP?

• Manipur is the fourth state after Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram where the ILP regime is applicable.

• The ILP regime is applicable under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. In terms of Section 2 of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations, 1873, citizens of other states require ILP for visiting these states.

• The main objective of the ILP system is to prevent the settlement of other Indian nationals in these states in order to protect the indigenous population.

• To visit the ILP-regime states, outsiders, including people from other states of the country, need to take permission. There is also protection for the locals with regards to lands, jobs and other facilities.

Manorama Yearbook app is now available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store