The High Court of Manipur has directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to submit a detailed progress report in a case involving six individuals, including three minor children, as part of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL No. 18 of 2024) filed by petitioner Soram Tekendrajit against the Union of India and five others.
The court order, issued by Hon’ble Chief Justice Mr. K. Somashekar and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ahantham Bimol Singh, noted with concern that despite the incident occurring on November 11, 2024, and a First Information Report (FIR) being registered on the same day, no charge sheet or progress report has been submitted by the concerned investigating agency—the NIA—under Section 167 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.P.C.).
Key Observations from the Court Order
| Details | Remarks |
|---|---|
| Case | PIL No. 18 of 2024 |
| Incident Date | November 11, 2024 |
| FIR Registered | Same day as incident |
| Number of Victims | 6 individuals, including 3 minors |
| Investigation Agency | National Investigation Agency (NIA) |
| Present Counsel (NIA) | Mr. W. Darakeshwor |
| Present Counsel (Petitioner) | Mr. Kh. Tarunkumar |
| Progress Report Status | Not submitted, despite over 7 months since FIR |
| Court Directive | NIA to submit detailed progress report with respect to the charge sheet |
| Next Hearing Date | July 24, 2025 |
Court’s Concern Over Delay
The Bench observed that more than seven months have elapsed since the FIR was filed, yet no charges have been framed nor a progress report submitted. The Court emphasized that such inaction by the investigating agency is unacceptable in a matter involving minor children and serious allegations.
The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that due to the prolonged delay, the Court should treat the matter with seriousness if the charge sheet is still not filed by the next hearing.
Next Steps
The High Court has granted a short accommodation to the NIA’s counsel to allow for the submission of a detailed progress report. The matter will be taken up again on July 24, 2025.
Conclusion: The order underlines the judiciary’s firm stance on ensuring timely investigations and accountability, particularly in sensitive cases involving minors. The outcome of the July 24 hearing will be closely monitored for further developments.
