As many as 20 executive members and officer bearers of the All Manipur Football Association were granted anticipatory bail by the Session Court Imphal West in connection with an FIR registered at Imphal Police Station based on a compliant lodge by Director Youth Affairs and Sport Government of Manipur.
The anticipatory bail applications were filed by Moirangthem Ratankumar of Kwakeithel Akham leikai, Laiphangbam Jyotirmoy Roy of Lairikyengbam Makha Leikai, Thangjam Ibotombi of Khurai Puthiba Chandam Leirak, Nongthongbam Jibankumar of Khurai Thangjam Leikai, Luwangshangbam London of Sekta Makha Leikai, Sarungbam Jiten of Singjamei Chingamathak Pishum Leirak, Mutum Tombimacha Singh of Khongjom Mayai Leikai, praying for passing appropriate direction/ order for granting them bail in the event of their arrest under section 482 of BNSS Act.
Khongjom, Kumam Birendra of Moirang Kumam Leikai, Ward No.3, Md Zane Khan of Kshetri Awang Leikai, Sanabam James Kumar Singh of Yairipok, Yambem Makha Leikai, Yambem, and Philem Magha Moirang Kangjeibung Leikai Sendra Road also filed bailed applications.
The remaining AMFA executive members who filed bail applications are Heikrujam Chetanchandra Singh of DC Road Uripok Naoremthong Laishram Leirak, Wahengbam 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 Shivananda of Nachou Panthong and Rk Shantikumar of Thangmeiband Lairen Hanjaba Leikai.
The filed anticipatory bail applications mention that on August 13 a music concert under the theme ‘Athouba Singhda Katchaba’ was organised at Khuman Lampak Turf Ground allegedly by All Manipur Football Association (AMFA) with MAMI TV Network as media partner.
The event faced widespread criticism from all sections of the society for being inappropriate given the current situation in the state of Manipur. The music concert was held as a part of the observance of Patriots’ Day and the programme started with paying of floral tributes and respects to the great heroes of Manipur, it stated. The musicians of the music concert were also duly instructed about the theme of the programme, stating that even the music or songs to be played should only be based on the patriotic themes, it mentioned.
The petitioners, on the other hand, being old aged persons were totally unaware of the genres of the song and how the youths will be influenced by the type or genres of the music that will be played by them, it stated.
However, the concert went way beyond expectations and control, and created a scene which attracted criticism from various sections of people, the petition mentioned, praying for enlarging them on bail.
The public prosecutor argued that there is no provision for granting of interim anticipatory bail under the new BNSS Act and also submitted a photocopy of the FIR case, transmitted by the Investigating Officer.
The court after hearing petitioners counsel, Public Prosecutor and after examination, passed an interim order which mentioned that in the event the petitioners get arrested by personnel of Imphal Police Station in connection with the present FIR case, they be released on interim bail till the next date fixed on their execution of PR Bonds of Rs 1,00,000 each with one surety each.
They were granted interim bail on the conditions that the petitioners shall not abscond but present themselves before the Investigating Officer of the case as and when summoned. The petitioners shall not influence prosecution witness(es); and The petitioners shall not leave the State without prior permission of the court.
The court further called a bail objection report from the OC Imphal Police Station, returnable by August 23 and fixed the same day for report and hearing.
