High Court extends interim relief to 4 Nagaland tribes in Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate Dispute

DIMAPUR — The Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, on Thursday extended the interim relief granted to four tribal bodies in Nagaland that have challenged a state government decision ordering a special enumeration and halting issuance of Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates (IICs) to their communities.

The matter pertains to a petition filed by Kuki Inpi Nagaland, Nagaland Garo Tribal Council, Kachari Tribal Council Nagaland, and Karbi Union Nagaland, which are contesting state orders requiring verification of their eligibility for IICs based on settlement in Nagaland prior to December 1, 1963.

During the hearing on Thursday, the state government sought additional time to file its response. Justice Yarenjungla Longkumer granted a two-week extension and ordered that the interim relief already in effect would continue until the next hearing.

Also read: High Court interim order stays enumeration of Kuki, Garo, Kachari, and Mikir communities in Nagaland

Earlier in May this year, the petitioners challenged a Home department order dated September 20, 2024, and a subsequent notification dated October 1, 2024, which directed an enumeration of persons belonging to the four tribes (and their descendants) who were settled in Nagaland prior to December 1, 1963, for the purpose of determining their eligibility for IIC or Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC). A detailed timeline for the enumeration and publication of the draft and final lists had also been issued.

The petitioners contended that such an exercise amounts to a targeted exclusion, despite their recognition as Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1970. They argued that this move lacks legal basis and discriminates against them when compared to other recognised tribes in the state.

Later on June 26, the court granted interim relief by staying the implementation of a related government letter dated May 28, 2025, which had directed authorities not to issue new IICs to members of the four tribes until further notice.

The matter is expected to come up for further hearing later this month.