Manipur FIR: SC Protects Ex-Army Officer, Professor from Coercive Action

The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted protection from any coercive action to a retired colonel against whom an FIR was lodged by the Manipur Police allegedly on the basis of the contents of his book published in January 2022.

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The top court also protected a professor against possible coercive action in connection with another FIR lodged on the basis of his alleged speech made in public.

A bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra took note of the submissions that no lawyers were willing to take up their cases and appear in the High Court of Manipur.

The bench stated, “Issue notice. We are going to ask you to file an affidavit that there is no lawyer who is willing to appear for you in the High Court of Manipur, no coercive steps shall be taken against petitioner till next date of hearing.”

Furthermore, it asked Vijaykant Chenji, former army officer, and professor Henminlun, who have filed separate pleas seeking protection and quashing of the FIRs lodged against them in Manipur, to file affidavits to the effect that lawyers were unwilling to appear for them in the Manipur High Court.