Grant chance for bail : Court
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 11 2025: The Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal West, has directed the Officer-in-Charge of Singjamei police station to ensure that individuals accused of bailable offences aren't kept in custody without being given a chance to furnish bail.

This directive must be strictly followed in all future cases to uphold due process and protect individual rights, the Court said.

The direction was given on September 9, 2025 in connection with a chargesheet submitted by Singjamei police station for a summary trial of one Chanambam Ananda (26) of Langmeidong Mamang Leikai for attempting to snatch a gold chain and mobile phone from a woman on September 5 at Chingamakha Khongkham Leirak During the hearing, the APP for the State submitted that a woman lodged a complaint with Singjamei police station on September 8 claiming that the accused coming in a two wheeler tried to snatch her gold chain and mobile phone near her residence at Chingamakha Khongkham Leirak.

As per the complainant, the accused hit her chest and fled from the area taking advantage of the darkness, the prosecution said.

During the investigation of the case it was established that the vehicle used by accused Chanambam Ananda in commission of the crime belongs to one Ningthoujam Santosh.

The accused was formally arrested on September 8 after he voluntarily appeared before the Singjamei police Station, following which he was produced before the Court.

As the accused pleaded guilty and prayed for forgiveness, he was convicted by the Court.

The Court, after hearing the submission and on perusal of the material on record, observed that the FIR was initially registered under Section 117 (2) BNS which later converted to Section 131 BNS.

Either way, both the Sections are bailable and the accused have been in police custody overnight without an opportunity to furnish bail.

The Court considering that the accused was in police custody for one night for a bailable offence must undergo imprisonment till the rising of the Court.

The Court further directed the Officer-in-Charge of Singjamei police station to ensure individuals accused of bailable offences aren't kept in custody without being given a chance to furnish bail in all future cases.

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