Next hearing on Ashem Kanan case on Jul 8
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 10 2025: High Court of Manipur, presided over by Chief Justice Kempaiah Somashekar and Justice Ahanthem Bimol Singh, on Tuesday issued directives in a criminal writ petition concerning the arrest of Ashem Kanan.

The petition was filed by his wife, Ashem Ongbi Guni Devi.

In her submission, Guni Devi stated that her husband, Ashem Kanan, was apprehended by individuals suspected to be Manipur Police personnel from Uripok area on the night of June 7 .

She claimed that no arrest memo or warrant was furnished, nor any official information provided to the family regarding his arrest.

The petitioner subsequently submitted a representation to the SP of Imphal West district, the following day.

Guni further claimed that local newspapers on June 8 reported her husband's arrest in connection with a case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) .

However, she asserted that neither she nor her legal counsel received any official legal documents or information.

The petitioner also contended that Kanan was not produced before a magistrate within the legally mandated timeframe and was denied access to both his legal counsel and family members.

She argued these actions violated Articles 21 and 22 of the Constitution, as well as Section 48 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 .

Conversely, the CBI's counsel informed the court that the petitioner was permitted to meet her husband the previous day in Guwahati.

The state counsel, for its part, submitted that Ashem Kanan's arrest was linked to an earlier case.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court directed the respondents to file their formal responses by the next hearing.

The case has been scheduled for further proceedings on July 8 .

Senior advocate Khaidem Mani, assisted by advocates Meihoubam Rakesh and Keisham Chingkhei, appeared in the court on behalf of the petitioner.

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