Manipur HC closed an NIA appeal against Naorem Premkanta Singh’s bail after he showed consistent compliance for over two years

News Citation : 2026 LN (HC) 334

May 4, 2026 : In a notable display of legal pragmatism, the High Court of Manipur at Imphal has officially closed a statutory appeal filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) that challenged a bail order granted nearly three years ago. The decision, presided over by Chief Justice M. Sundar and Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma, came after both the prosecution and defense agreed that the respondent had consistently followed all court mandates since his release.

The case, identified as CRL. A. No. 6 of 2024, centered on Naorem Premkanta Singh, who was granted bail by a trial court on August 10, 2023. The NIA had initially filed the appeal under Section 21 of the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008, seeking to overturn that decision. However, during recent proceedings, the court noted that Singh had been a model of compliance, appearing regularly for all trial court listings for over two and a half years.

Central Government Standing Counsel Mr. BR Sharma, representing the NIA, acted with what the court described as “usual fairness” by suggesting a closure to the appeal. He pointed to a similar precedent set in March 2026, where a different NIA appeal was closed under nearly identical circumstances because the accused was cooperating fully with the ongoing trial.

While the court affirmed the original bail order, it did so with specific reservations to protect future legal interests. The bench clarified that the closure does not prevent the NIA from seeking a cancellation of bail should circumstances change or new evidence emerge. Similarly, all legal questions raised by the NIA remain “open,” meaning they can be argued in future, separate cases without being barred by this specific ruling.

By disposing of the appeal through a consent order, the High Court avoided a lengthy “legal drill” over the merits of an old bail order, allowing the lower Special Judge (NIA) Court to proceed with the primary trial untrammeled by the appellate litigation. The ruling concludes a period of uncertainty for the respondent while ensuring the NIA maintains its oversight capabilities if the trial’s status shifts.

Case Reference : CRL. A. No. 6 of 2024 , National Investigation Agency (Appellant) vs. Naorem Premkanta Singh & Van Dam (Respondent), the counsel for the appellant was Mr. BR Sharma, CGSC along with Mr. Qulu, Advocate, and for the respondent, Ms. N. Savitri, Advocate along with Mr. N. Leo, Advocate.