Accused Lodges Complaint Against Manipur High Court
In a significant turn of events, an individual recently found guilty of crimes against women has lodged a formal complaint with the High Court of Manipur. Identified as Chongtham Dhurbajit Singh, he claims that his conviction was issued without the preparation of a complete judgment and order, prompting him to seek an inquiry into the concerned judicial officer.
Chongtham Dhurbajit Singh, son of Ch Shyamsunder Singh, hailing from Nagamapal Phougeisangbam Leikai, Imphal West, was convicted on April 25 by the Court of Additional Sessions Judge (Fast Track Court) for Crimes Against Women. Currently held at Central Jail Sajiwa, he awaits his sentencing hearing scheduled for May 10.
The complaint, addressed to the Chief Justice of the High Court, was submitted through the Registrar General. Singh stands accused in the ST Case No. 2 of 2020, stemming from FIR No. 104(05)2018 IPS u/s 376/417 IPC, pending sentencing in the Court of Additional Sessions Judge for Crimes Against Women, Manipur.
According to the complaint, Singh was present in the courtroom on April 25 alongside his Counsel when the conviction was announced. However, no detailed judgment was provided at the time. His Counsel assured him that a comprehensive judgment would follow, as indicated in the court’s pronouncement.
Further information from his Counsel revealed that while it is customary to announce the operative part of the judgment in the daily order sheet, a full judgment is typically provided separately.
Singh recounts that while being escorted from the courtroom to jail by police personnel, his Counsel stayed behind to apply for certified copies of the orders. However, upon their return, they were informed by the bench clerk that the full judgment and order were not yet prepared and signed, and the Judge had left the court premises.
Subsequently, Singh’s Counsel obtained a certified copy of the order dated April 25 on April 29, wherein the operative portion of the judgment was passed.
In his complaint, Singh alleges that the act of convicting him without providing reasons and grounds deprived him of his liberty without due process of law, which he considers illegal, unjust, and arbitrary.
He implores the Chief Justice to intervene and initiate an inquiry into the actions of the Judicial Officer, advocating for a fair and transparent administration of justice.
