Anticipatory bail for AMFA members
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 17 2024: The Court of Session Judge, Imphal West has granted pre-arrest (anticipatory) bail to 20 executive members and officer bearers of All Manipur Football Association (AMFA) in connection with an FIR registered at Imphal Police Station based on a compliant lodged by the Director of Youth Affairs and Sports.

The anticipatory bail applications were filed by Moirangthem Ratankumar of Kwakeithel Akham Leikai, Laiphangbam Jyotir-moy Roy of Lairikyengbam Makha Leikai, Thangjam Ibotombi of Khurai Puthiba Chandam Leirak, Nong-thongbam Jibankumar of Khurai Thangjam Leikai, Luwangsangbam London of Sekta Makha Leikai, Sarungbam Jiten of Singjamei Chingamathak Pishum Leirak, Mutum Tombimacha Singh of Khongjom Mayai Leikai, Kumam Birendra of Moirang Kumam Leikai, Md.Zane Khan of Kshetri Awang Leikai, Sanabam James Kumar Singh of Yairipok Yambem Makha Leikai, Philem Magha of Moirang Kangjeibung Leikai Sendra Road, Heikrujam Chetanchandra Singh of Naoremthong Laishram Leirak, Waheng-bam Mobicha Singh of Sagolband Wahengbam Leikai, Dilbung Konwar of Chandel, Moirangthem Nilo of Kakching Wairi Sabal Leikai Leisangthem Pareng, Kshetrimayum Ibobi of Kakching Khullen Makha Leikai Nongmaithem Shiva-nanda of Nachou Panthong and RK Shantikumar of Thangmeiband Lairen Hanjaba Leikai.

The bail applicants mentioned that on August 13 a music concert was organised under the theme of "Athouba Singda Katchaba" at Khuman Lampak Turf Ground by AMFA with MAMI TV Network as the media partner.

The event, however, faced widespread criticism.

The music concert was held as part of the Patriots' Day function and the programme started by paying floral tributes and respects to the bravehearts of Manipur, they (the bail applicants) said and added that the musicians were also instructed to play only patriotic numbers.

The petitioners further mentioned that they were totally unaware of the genre of the songs and how the youth will be influenced by it.

They also said that they never expected the event would turn out that way and create a scene which would be criticised by various sections of people.

The PP, while arguing that there is no provision to grant them an anticipatory bail under the new BNSS Act, submitted a photocopy of the FIR transmitted by the IO of the case.

The Court after hearing the petitioner counsel and PP and on perusal passed an interim order which mentions that in the event the petitioners get arrested by Imphal police they be released on interim bail till the next date fixed for hearing on execution of a PR Bond of Rs 1,00,000 and a surety each.

The Court also ruled that the petitioners shall not abscond but present themselves before the IO as and when summoned.

The Court directed the Officer in Charge of Imphal police station to submit a bail objection report by August 23 .

The next hearing will take place on August 23 .

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