Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 11
The Government of Nagaland has reportedly denied ‘prosecution sanction’ to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against State Government “employees/alleged accused persons” involved in the matter related to the construction of the new High Court Complex in Kohima.
Accordingly, the Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench (GHCKB), on September 10, granted two weeks to the Public Prosecutor (PP) representing the State of Nagaland to “obtain necessary instructions and produce the relevant record regarding the order” passed by the State Government regarding the denial.
The PP shall obtain instructions and present the documents before the Court on the next date, as stated in the order issued by Justice Budi Habung while hearing a criminal petition filed by three private individuals allegedly involved in misappropriation of public money during the construction process.
The petition sought the quashing of a First Information Report (FIR) dated June 17, 2019; a July 21, 2021 CBI Report; and the order passed by the Special Judge, CBI, Dimapur on June 28, 2024, directing the petitioners to face criminal trial under Sections 420/120B IPC on the issue.
Meanwhile, the counsel for the petitioners contended before the judge that they were not involved in any anomalies as alleged and questioned why charges were only framed against them, not the State Government employees, who should be equally liable if the allegations were proven.
The counsel also submitted an interim prayer for quashing the charges. Justice Habung listed the matter for hearing after two weeks and stated that the interim request would be considered on the next date upon perusal of the records and after hearing the parties.
