KHOIRAM RANJIT SINGH Vs. STATE (NIA)

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These appeals have been preferred by the appellants herein, being Khoiram Ranjit Singh @ Rocky @ Great Macha @ Poerei Meitei (referred to as 'Appellant 1') and Pukhrihongam Prem Kumar Meiti @ PK @ Ibomcha (referred to as 'Appellant 2'), under Sec. 21 of the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008 ('NIA Act') seeking reduction of fine and/or reduction of the default sentence imposed on the convicted appellants in NIA case No. RC-05/2017/NIA/DLI (vide order dtd. 29/4/2022 by the Ld. ASJ, Patiala House Courts, Delhi). The allegations made against the appellants were that they were active cadres of the Kangleipak Communist Party ('KCP'), a banned terrorist organisation, and were allegedly involved in anti-national and terrorist activities in Manipur and other parts of India. In furtherance of a larger conspiracy, it was alleged that they procured arms and ammunition to carry out terrorist activities in other parts of India including Delhi and NCR.

(2.) The proceedings against the appellants have their origin in the First Information Report ('FIR') bearing No. 02/2017 lodged by the Special Cell, Delhi Police on 12/1/2017. In compliance with order No. F. No.11011/15/2017-IS.IV, dtd. 15/3/2017, issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, the National Investigation Agency ('NIA') registered the instant case as RC-05/2017/NIA/DLI on 16/3/2017. Further investigation revealed that the appellants were over ground workers of the KCP and had committed various crimes in furtherance of their role. Appellant 1 was involved in raising funds for the activities of the KCP. Two hand grenades were recovered from the abode of Appellant 1 on 17/1/2017. On 12/1/2017 disclosure statement of Appellant 2 revealed that on the instructions of Appellant 1, Appellant 2 collected four hand grenades, one 9 mm English pistol, and six 9 mm live cartridges from another co-accused Sanabam Inobi.

(3.) Subsequently, the NIA filed the Final Report/Charge Sheet No. 06/2017 on 10/7/2017 against three accused persons, including the appellants, inter alia under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 ('IPC'), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 ('UAPA'), and the Explosive Substances Act, 1908 ('ESA').