1 Serial No. 04 Supplementary List HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA AT SHILLONG Crl. M.C. No. 33 of 2025 Date of Decision: 01.05.2025 Shri. Annias @ Donboklang Lapang Son of Shri Woll Makdoh, Resident of: Umsnign Proper A, P.S: Nongpoh, District: Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya ..…Applicant - Versus- State of Meghalaya Through Public Prosecutor ……Respondent Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge Hon’ble Mr. Justice B. Bhattacharjee, Judge Appearance: For the Petitioner/Appellant(s) : Mr. S.D. Upadhaya, Legal Aid Counsel Ms. A. Synrem, Adv. Mr. H. Yadav, Adv. For the Respondent(s) : Mr. S. Sengupta, Addl. P.P i) Whether approved for reporting in Yes/No Law journals etc.: 2025:MLHC:347-DB 2025:MLHC:347-DB 2 ii) Whether approved for publication in press: Yes/No ORDER (ORAL) Heard Mr. S.D. Upadhaya, learned Legal Aid Counsel who has submitted that the applicant who has been convicted vide judgment dated 29.03.2023 and order of sentence dated 03.04.2023 passed by the learned Special Judge (POCSO), Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh in POCSO Case No. 07 of 2019 under Section 354B/361/366/375(a) falling under 375 (Sixthly) 376(2)(f)(j)/376(3)/376AB IPC and under Section 3(a)/5(m)(n)/6 POCSO Act, 2012 has preferred this instant appeal against such judgment and sentence. However, in course of preparation of the same, on account of economic condition as well as the status of the applicant who is a casual labourer, a delay has occurred for which the appeal could not be preferred on time. Accordingly, this application for condonation of delay of 687 days has been preferred in filing the related appeal. Mr. S. Sengupta, learned Addl. P.P has no objection to the prayer made in the application and has submitted that the delay may be condoned so as to enable this Court to take up the merits of the related appeal. We have considered the submission made by the learned Legal Aid Counsel as well as the adequate grounds cited and are of the view that the status and condition of the appellant has qualified him to file the application for condonation of delay of 687 days in preferring the appeal. Accordingly, the delay of 687 days in filing the related appeal is hereby condoned. 2025:MLHC:347-DB 2025:MLHC:347-DB 3 Application disposed of. Registry is directed to diarize the appeal and list the matter for admission after 2(two) weeks. (B. Bhattacharjee) (W. Diengdoh) Judge Judge 2025:MLHC:347-DB 2025:MLHC:347-DB Digitally signed by TIPRILYNTI KHARKONGOR Date: 2025.05.01 18:53:51 IST