IT News
Imphal, Aug 23:
In the defamation case filed by the former Chief Engineer in Charge of the Education (S) Engineering Cell, Laishram Sharat Singh, against Imphal Times, the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Imphal West, held a hearing today. The case centers around an article published by the newspaper on April 7, 2024, regarding the appointment of the Chief Engineer in charge of the Education Department of Manipur and related issues. During the hearing, the Editor of Imphal Times reaffirmed the newspaper’s stance on the published report.
Following the Editor’s statement, the CJM, Imphal West, has scheduled the next hearing of the case for September 12, 2024.
At today’s hearing, Chief Judicial Magistrate Ashem Tarunkumari explained the offence under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to the Editor of Imphal Times. The Editor pleaded not guilty and asserted the right to a trial. The court acknowledged the plea and set the next hearing date for September 12, 2024.
The case stems from a legal notice and a damage suit amounting to Rs. 24,55,000 filed against Imphal Times for publishing a report titled “Manipur Govt. Flouts Norms, Appoints Diploma Holder as Chief Engineer in Education Department.” The report alleged that Laishram Saratchandra Singh was appointed as Chief Engineer in charge despite not meeting the required qualifications at the time of his appointment. The article was part of an investigative effort to uncover irregularities within the Education Department.
In a related development, Laishram Saratchandra Singh, who had been serving on deputation in the Engineering Cell of the Education Department, has been relieved from his position as Chief Engineer in Charge as of August 5, 2024. Despite being promoted to the role, his tenure was originally set to continue until 2025. However, his deputation has been cut short, resulting in his early departure from the department.
