HC reprieve for man serving lifer
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 03 2022:
The High Court of Manipur on Wednesday acquitted a man, who was sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment by a district court after convicting him of killing his wife on March 2, 2013 .
Accused Ngangbam Premjit (28) s/o Ng Ibobi of Khurkhul Makha Leikai, presently staying at Central Jail, Sajiwa, had filed a criminal (jail) appeal to the high court, mentioning the state government represented by the chief secretary (home) as respondent.
On Thursday, hearing of the criminal (jail) appeal was carried out in the High Court by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice MV Muralidharan.
As per the criminal (jail) appeal, newly married Yumlembam (ningol) Ngangbam (ongbi) Latabi was found dead on March 2, 2013 .
Her husband and appellant Ngangbam Premjit was accused of murdering her, while Premjit's parents Ngangbam Ibobi and Channou were charged under different sections of IPC.
During the trial conducted at the District and Sessions Judge, Imphal West court, all three claimed innocence and denied charges levelled against them.
In connection with the case, the prosecution examined 13 witnesses.
After many hearings, the court declared Ngangbam Premjit guilty on April 17, 2018 under Section 302 of IPC and sentenced him to rigorous life imprisonment.
The court also ordered him to pay a fine of Rs 10,000 .
Premjit's parents, however, were acquitted of all charges.
Premjit then filed an appeal against the conviction and sentence order of the trial court under Section 374 (2) of CrPG, which was heard on Thursday.
After listening to the submissions of both sides, the court observed that no evidence was found proving that Premjit had killed his wife, although the trial court convicted him of the same under Section 302 of IPC.
Thus, the appellant can claim benefit of doubt.
The court then set aside the conviction order of the District and Sessions Judge Imphal West passed on April 17, 2018, while also setting aside the sentence judgement given on April 18, 2018 .
It then ordered the state to refund the fine amount, if Premjit had made the payment.
If there is no need for Premjit to stay in jail for any other cases, then he should be released immediately, the court ordered.