Imphal, January 28 2009: FIVE PRINCIPALS detained by the Imphal police on the charge of �sedition� by not participating in the Republic Day celebration in Imphal on Monday have been remanded in police custody till January 30 after they were produced in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal today.

The five principals picked up by the police yesterday and produced before the court of the CJM, M Padamshwor are Laishram Rashi of Ram Lal Paul Higher Secondary School, Chingtham Padma of TG Higher Secondary School, Yumnam Ibetombi of Ibotonsana Higher Secondary School, Sagolsem Khomdonbi of Johnston Higher Secondary School and Yambem Nonganlei of CC Higher Secondary School.

The ruling of the CJM said that they will remain in the police custody till January 30 and during their stay in the custody they will be conducted medical check up for every 48 hour.

In connection with decision taken by the principals not to take part in the Republic Day celebration, police registered a case under FIR 28(1)09 of Imphal police station under section 124-A/341/506/120-B IPC and 12/39 (2) UA (P) A Act, 2004 against them with the charge of sedition, associate with terrorists organization and criminal conspiracy.

Under the section 124(A) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which the principals are charged, can be punishable with imprisonment for life or any shorter term to which fine may be added or with imprisonment which may extend to three years to which fine may be added or with fine.

Police picked up five of them yesterday and produced today before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal West today afternoon with a prayer for seven day remand to the judicial custody.

However, the CJM after hearing the prayer and objections from the counsels of the five principals ordered the police to take them for two-day custody and produce before the same court by January 30 for further hearing to the charges leveled against them.

The case was taken up after the additional secretary education M Harekrishna submit a written report to the Imphal west SP yesterday at around 11.30 am.

The SP immediately referred the report to the OC, Imphal police station for registering a case and take up action as per the written report.

In the follow up action, the five principals were arrested by the Imphal police.

In the court police mentioned that the principals admitted the charge level against them.

Against the case registered with the principal, Advocate Khaidem Mani and Binodini as counsels of the principals argued that the decision taken by them was following receive of the threats from the banned out RPF.

The same had been informed to the education director (s) well in time but no appropriate action to protect them was taken up from the government side.

The principals never colluded with the UGs in this regard, the counsels said stating that the charges against the principals were baseless one.

The principals were aged old ones and near to attend superannuation to their services.

Considering their status, the counsels requested the court to release them.

Mention may be made that in connection with their decision not to participate in the Republic Day celebration this year, principals of the six higher secondary suspended them from their services by order issued on January 26.The vice-principals of the said schools were also asked to bear the charges of the principals by the orders.

The physical education lecturer of the Ram Lal Pal Higher Secondary Th Tomba has also been asked to place under suspension to the authorities of the state youth affairs and sports.

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