1 Serial No. 02 Regular List HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA AT SHILLONG Crl.M.C. No. 9 of 2025 Date of Decision: 17.02.2025 Shri. Stanborlang Nongrum @ Stanborly, Aged about 30 years, son of Shri. Slan Marwein Resident of Lyngngai Village, P.S Sohiong, East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya. ::::: Applicant -Vs- State of Meghalaya represented by the Commissioner & Secretary to the Department of Home (Police), Government of Meghalaya, Shillong-793001. ::::: Respondent Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge Hon’ble Mr. Justice B. Bhattacharjee, Judge Appearance: For the Petitioner/Applicant(s) : Mr. M. Sharma, Legal Aid Counsel Ms. E. Gurung, Adv. For the Respondent(s) : Mr. K. Khan, PP with Mr. R. Gurung, GA. Mr. S. Sengupta, Addl. PP Ms. S. Laloo, GA. i) Whether approved for reporting in Yes/No Law journals etc.: 2025:MLHC:80-DB 2 ii) Whether approved for publication in press: Yes/No Per W. Diengdoh, (J): JUDGMENT AND ORDER (ORAL) 1. Mr. M. Sharma, learned Legal Aid Counsel for the applicant has submitted that the applicant had preferred a criminal appeal before this Court against the judgment and order dated 31.10.2023 passed by the learned Special Judge (POCSO), West Khasi Hills District, Nongstoin in Special (POCSO) Case No. 18 of 2020. However, a delay of 411 days has occurred while preferring this appeal, the ground being that the applicant came to know of his right to appeal against his conviction only through public awareness programme which was conducted in the prison premises. Hence, the delay. 2. Mr. K. Khan, learned PP assisted by Mr. R. Gurung, learned GA for the State respondent, in all fairness, has chosen not to oppose the application on the ground that the merits of the appeal is required to be heard and decided by this Court. 3. On consideration of the submission made, this Court is persuaded to allow the prayer made. Accordingly, the delay of 411 days in filing the appeal is condoned. 2025:MLHC:80-DB 3 4. Misc. Case stands disposed of. 5. Registry is directed to diarize the appeal and list it for admission after 1(one) week. (B. Bhattacharjee) (W. Diengdoh) Judge Judge 2025:MLHC:80-DB Digitally signed by DARIKORDOR NARY Date: 2025.02.17 18:30:47 IST