B.D. Agarwal, J.

1. Four leading citizens of the State of Manipur have filed this Public Interest Litigation, entertained under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying for quashing the Notification No. 1/20/2009-CHA (i) dated 26.04.2010 issued by the Chief Secretary to the Government of Manipur setting in motion election of one member each from Autonomous District Councils. The said Notification was purportedly issued under sub-rule (2) of Rule 15 of the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Election of Members) Rules, 2009. The petitioners are also praying for quashing the follow up Notifications issued by Sub-Divisional Officer/Returning Officer and fixing the schedule of Election.

2. We have heard Ms. U. Das, learned counsel for the petitioner as well as Sri N. Kotiswar, learned Advocate General for the State of Manipur. The respondent No. 3 was represented by the Standing Counsel Mr. L. S. Singh, Sr. Advocate; whereas the Union of India (Respondent No.4) was represented by Sri R. Sarma, Assistant Solicitor General. We have also perused the affidavit filed on. behalf of the respondent No.3. As per order of this Court the Government also produced the relevant fi