Manipur: ECI initiates legal action against Lok Sabha poll independent candidate

Imphal: Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections slated for April 19, a court in Manipur has granted interim pre-arrest bail to an independent candidate from Inner Manipur Parliamentary constituency.

The court order comes after the Election Commission of India (ECI) filed a case against the candidate for alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct.

The candidate in question, Moirangthem Totomsana, also known as Nongshaba, 50, faced accusations of breaching election protocols during a televised discussion. In a live broadcast on April 2, 2024, Totomsana purportedly made derogatory remarks directed at the Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh, and issued threats of physical harm.

According to Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Pradeep Kumar Jha, the ECI has taken a serious view of the incident and initiated legal proceedings against Totomsana.

The candidate's actions are alleged to have violated established election norms and the Model Code of Conduct.

The Additional District and Sessions Judge Fast Track Court Manipur East granted interim pre-arrest bail to Totomsana until April 15. This temporary reprieve allows him to remain free from custody pending further legal proceedings.

In his defense, Totomsana, a resident of Heirok Part-II Mayai Leikai in Thoubal district, submitted affidavits to the ECI indicating no ownership of movable or immovable assets.