Nagaland: Supreme Court grants bail to accused in poll related murder

The Supreme Court of India on Monday has granted bail to ‘Chepdakmayang and others’ in connection with GR Case No.34/2023, arising out of Mokokchung PS-II Case No.13/2023. The appellants had been arrested for offences “punishable under Sections 120B/341/365/302 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.”

In its order, the Court observed, “The appellants have been under incarceration for over two years.” It was further noted that “notwithstanding the direction issued by the High Court, the trial has just commenced and is yet to be concluded.” While the complainant has been examined, the Court remarked that “there are a number of other witnesses that are yet to be examined,” indicating that “the trial might take a substantial amount of time to complete.”

Taking into account “the facts and circumstances of the case, coupled with the period of incarceration,” the Bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal stated that they were “inclined to grant bail to the appellants.”

The Court ordered that “the impugned order is set aside and the appellants are granted bail on such terms and conditions to the satisfaction of the Trial Court.” It further directed that “the appeal stands allowed accordingly,” and that “pending application(s), if any, stand disposed of.”

The case involved the alleged murder of Imkongjiba Kichu, who was found dead on February 22, 2023, in the lead-up to the Nagaland Assembly polls on February 27.

MT