In a relief to former Mawhati MLA Julius K. Dorphang, the Meghalaya High Court has today set aside and quashed the order for non-bailable warrant of arrest against him issued by the Special Judge (POCSO), Ri-Bhoi District.
The High Court bench of Justice Wanlura Diengdoh also directed to recall the non-bailable warrant of arrest issued against Dorphang. It also allowed the former to join the POCSO trial against him and to be heard taking into consideration the undertaking given by his lawyer before the High Court.
“Having heard the parties, considering the facts and circumstances of the case, and keeping in mind the importance of the trial to be completed at the earliest and also the fact that the accused has not willfully absconded or is not to be found, but is willing to appear before the Trial Court as and when required, this Court without discussing on the merits of this instant petition is of the considered view that this matter can be laid at rest at this juncture,” Justice Diengdoh said.
While recalling the arrest warrant, the High Court also directed Dorphang to appear before the Special Judge (POCSO), Ri-Bhoi District to be heard. It also directed the Trial Court to take up the matter for hearing on June 28.
It may be mentioned that the Special Judge (POCSO), Ri-Bhoi District in an order passed on June 21 in Spl. (POCSO) Case No. 2 of 2017 has cancelled the bond and two sureties executed by Dorphang.
Consequently, a non-bailable arrest warrant was issued against him and the matter was fixed for execution of the said arrest warrant.
The reasons cited by the Trial Court, which culminated in issuance of the non-bailable arrest warrant was because of the conduct of Dorphang who failed to appear before the Trial Court on several dates in connection with the rape charges against him.
