Court reprieve for Meitei Leepun chief
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 20 2023:
In a significant development, Justice Ahanthem Bimol Singh of the High Court of Manipur, presiding over a writ petition, has issued a temporary order preventing the arrest of Meitei Leepun chief Mayengbam Pramotchand Singh.
The writ petition was filed in response to a non-bailable arrest warrant issued by the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Churachandpur, instructing SP Churachandpur to apprehend the petitioner.
The petitioner was represented by senior counsel M Hemchandra, who was assisted by advocate Ajoy Pebam.
The court directed for issuance of notices to the respondents, returnable within four weeks.
Public prosecutor Niranjan Sanasam accepted the notice on behalf of respondent 1 to 4 .
Consequently, no formal notice was deemed necessary for these respondents.
Respondent No 5 was required to be served notice via speed post by the petitioner, who was also instructed to furnish proof of service through an affidavit.
The court took cognizance of the precarious circumstances prevailing in the state and the per ceived risk to the petitioner's life in the event of his appearance before the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Churachandpur.
Recognising the potentially perilous situation, the court issued a temporary order safeguarding Mayengbam Pramotchand Singh from arrest until the next hearing, scheduled for December 6 .
"...till the next date of hearing for consideration of the prayer for passing interim order, the petitioner should not be arrested and compelled to appear before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Churachandpur without leave of this Court", the order said.