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The High Court of Meghalaya has ruled that no coercive measures should be taken against DGP LR Bishnoi in connection with the FIR filed by suspended police officer GK Iangrai concerning the alleged misuse of a vehicle registration number.
DGP Lajja Ram Bishnoi
DGP Lajja Ram Bishnoi, an IPS officer from the 1991 Assam-Meghalaya cadre, was appointed as the Director General of Police (DGP) for Meghalaya. His appointment comes four and a half months after the retirement of former DGP R. Chandranathan. Prior to this, Dr. Bishnoi served as the Special Director General of Training and Armed Police in Assam.
Advocate Alleges Ulterior Motive in DGP Case: Calls for FIR Quashing
During the hearing on Wednesday, advocate A. Goyal, representing the DGP (petitioner), highlighted an ulterior motive by Iangrai. The petitioner sought the court’s intervention to quash the FIR filed against the DGP.
Considering the arguments put forth, an interim measure has been issued to refrain from taking any coercive measures against the petitioner related to Sadar P.S.. FIR No. 141(5) 2024, filed under Sections 409, 467, 471, and 120-B of the IPC, in conjunction with Section 192 of the MV Act, until the returnable date, the court stated.
Next Hearing Set Three Weeks Ahead with Issued Notice
The court scheduled the next hearing for three weeks later and issued a notice regarding this matter.
Advocate A. Goyal represented the petitioner/appellant, while Additional Advocate General N.D. Chullai and Government Advocate R. Colney appeared for the government. However, there was no representation for respondent number 2 (Iangrai).
The court directed the petitioner to notify respondent No. 2 (Iangrai) within a period of two days.
The court noted that the primary argument presented by the petitioner’s counsel is that the FIR dated 09-05-2024 in Sadar P.S. FIR No. 141(5) 2024 was filed by respondent No. 2 with the ulterior motive of seeking revenge, primarily because of an inquiry initiated against him during the petitioner’s tenure as DGP of Meghalaya Police. The petitioner’s counsel also argued that the allegations in the FIR do not meet the necessary criteria for the legal sections under which the FIR was registered. The additional advocate general requested additional time to obtain instructions.
CM Conrad Sangma: Investigation Into DGP’s Alleged Misconduct to Continue Post-Retirement
Image source: Hub NewsEarlier today, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma confirmed that the investigation into the complaint against the DGP, regarding the alleged use of a fake number plate, will persist even after his retirement. Sangma emphasized that the FIR has been filed and registered, ensuring the continuity of the case and investigation regardless of the DGP’s retirement. He reiterated the government’s stance that every FIR is treated as a legitimate case, with procedures and rules being followed impartially, irrespective of the individual involved.
On May 9, Iangrai, formerly the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Meghalaya Police, lodged an FIR against the DGP, accusing him of misusing and tampering with the registration number plate of his vehicle.The complaint was filed just before the DGP’s scheduled retirement on May 19.
The chief minister reiterated that the law will be upheld impartially, stating, “We have consistently maintained that the law applies equally to everyone, and thus, it will be followed accordingly.”
The chief minister reiterated the principle of equal application of the law, stating, “Since day one, we’ve been transparent that the law applies uniformly to all, and it will be upheld accordingly.”
He further stated that all complaints are processed according to procedure, involving the filing of FIRs and the commencement of investigations.
When questioned about whether such issues indicate a positive trend within the police force, the CM declined to comment, stating, “I prefer not to express an opinion on whether it’s healthy or not. I don’t want to delve into personal matters or comment on the statements made by the DG.”
