IT News
Imphal, April 6:
The High Court of Manipur has directed that the examination of witnesses in Election Petition No. 7 of 2022, filed against MLA Karam Shyam Singh, be concluded within a strict timeline of eight weeks. The directive was issued by Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar on April 3, 2025, while hearing Misc. Application No. 6 of 2025, filed by the election petitioner, Okram Joy Singh.
The election petition arises out of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly Election held in 2022, in which Okram Joy Singh contested from 20-Langthabal Assembly Constituency. He challenged the election of Karam Shyam Singh on several grounds, including the alleged concealment of a pending criminal case, misrepresentation of assets, submission of false educational qualifications in Form-26 affidavit, and engagement in corrupt practices such as bribery, distribution of cash, and intimidation of voters.
To facilitate the trial, the High Court had earlier appointed an Advocate Commissioner to record the statements of witnesses. The petitioner’s side completed its witness examination, which was formally closed on January 21, 2025. However, Respondent No. 1, Karam Shyam Singh, failed to produce any witnesses on multiple scheduled dates—January 24, 29, February 6, 11, 14, and 18—either without assigning any reasons or by seeking repeated adjournments.
Due to repeated non-compliance, the Advocate Commissioner submitted a report to the High Court, expressing the inability to proceed with further witness examination. Subsequently, the petitioner moved the present Miscellaneous Application seeking closure of the respondent’s opportunity to lead evidence.
During the hearing on April 3, 2025, Senior Advocate H.S. Paonam appeared for the petitioner, while Mr. A. Mohendro, counsel for the respondent, submitted before the Court that the respondent would complete the examination of his witnesses within a period of eight weeks.
Taking the submission on record, the Chief Justice disposed of the application with a clear direction that the respondent must cooperate fully in the examination process. The Court also cautioned that any adjournment sought by the respondent will attract appropriate costs.
The matter has been posted for the next hearing on April 8, 2025, at 3:00 PM, before the Court of the Chief Justice for continuation of proceedings.