HC issues notice in AMBA audit contempt case
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 29 2025:
The High Court of Manipur on Tuesday issued a notice in a contempt petition filed against the Registrar of Societies, for failing to comply with a previous court order concerning the audit of the All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA).
According to a press release issued by advocate Meihoubam Rakesh, the petition was heard by Justice Aribam Guneshwar Sharma.
Senior advocate Khaidem Mani appeared on behalf of the petitioner, Oinam Bijoychandra Singh, a senior AMBA member and practicing advocate, with advocate Rakesh providing legal support.
The contempt petition arises from alleged wilful non-compliance with the High Court's directive issued on March 13, 2025 .
The court had ordered the Registrar of Societies to complete an audit of AMBA's financial records for the period 2019 to 2025 and to submit the audit report by April 10, 2025.The audit was aimed at ensuring transparency in AMBA's financial management and facilitating the timely conduct of elections to its executive committee.
Despite the explicit court directive, the Registrar of Societies failed to complete and submit the audit report within the specified timeline.
The delay has reportedly obstructed the election process of the AMBA executive body, raising concerns over the disregard for judicial authority and its impact on the association's democratic functioning.
After hearing the submissions from the petitioner's counsel, the court issued a notice to the Registrar of Societies.
The notice is returnable on May 19, 2025, when the matter will be taken up for further proceedings.