Item no. 113 IN THE HIGH COURT OF MANIPUR AT IMPHAL MC(Crl. A.) No. 42 of 2025 Khoisnam Ibohal Singh … Applicant - Versus - State of Manipur … Respondent B E F O R E HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE A. GUNESHWAR SHARMA ORDER 25.03.2026 [1] Heard Mr. I. Denning, learned counsel for the applicant and Mr. H. Samarjit, learned PP assisted by Mr. Y. Robert, learned Dy. GA for the State respondent. [2] The present application has been filed by the applicant who has been convicted Section 12 of the POCSO Act, 2012 by judgment & order dated 08.07.2025 passed by Ld. Judge, FTSC No. 2, Manipur, in Special Trial (POCSO) Case No. 16/22/19/20/02 of 2025 and vide order on sentence dated 10.07.2025, the applicant was directed to undergo 2(two) years rigorous imprisonment with a fine of Rs. 40,000/-(Rupees forty thousand) only and in default of payment of fine another simple imprisonment of 3(three) months. It is submitted that there is a delay of 18 days in filing the accompanying Criminal Appeal against the order of conviction & sentence. It is also submitted that the delay is not intentional and non-deliberate and the 18 days delay has occurred in taking related documents and engaging new counsel. [3] Mr. H. Samarjit, learned PP submits that considering the days of delay, this Court may pass appropriate order. OINAM THOIB A MEITEI Digitally signed by OINAM THOIBA MEITEI Date: 2026.03.26 14:13:33 +05'30' [4] This Court has perused the materials on record and it seems that the delay of 18 days is not deliberate and due to the reasons as stated in para nos. 4, 5 & 6 of the application. [5] Accordingly, MC(Crl.A.) No. 42 of 2025 is allowed and delay of 18 days in filing the accompanying Criminal Appeal against the order of conviction and sentence is condoned. [6] Registry is directed to register the accompanying Criminal Appeal, if the same is in order and list in due course. JUDGE Thoiba