Kohima, August 18 (MExN): Following the dismissal of Nagaland State Chief Minister, TR Zeliang’s case in the Court of Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Peren on July 28, an appeal was taken up, at the Gauhati High Court Kohima bench before Justice LS Jamir, the hearing for which was held on August 18.
It may be noted that the case involved allegation concerning information of TR Zeliang’s educational qualification filed in a sworn affidavit in his election nomination papers in 2013.
The case at JMFC Peren had been dismissed on the grounds that they were barred by time limitation. The judgment had further remarked that the ‘instant case is in the shape of a political vendetta.’ The Supreme Court order dated June 15, 2016 had directed the lower court to determine the question of limitation on the two cases filed.
At the hearing KN Balgopal, Advocate for the both the Complainants (Maziezokho Nisa Vs. T R Zeliang, and KK Kulimbe alias Kanglm Vs. T.R Zeliang) stated that the Magistrate at Peren was asked to decide only on the question of limitation, and that the High Court had directed that the petitioners have locus standi because the Right to Know is a fundamental right. It questioned the remarks made against the petitioners.
Further alleging that there has been judicial indiscipline, and that the judiciary should assert its independence, Balgopal noted that the Magistrate by casting question on the petitioners virtually exceeded his/her jurisdiction by interfering with the High Court order which was accepted by the Supreme Court.
The next hearing is to be held on September 14.
