1 Serial No. 01 Supplementary List HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA AT SHILLONG Crl.M.C. No. 11 of 2026 Date of Decision: 11.02.2026 Shri. Sushanto Hajong (in Jail) S/o Shri. Sontush Hajong R/o Panchering B, Ranikor, South West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. ……….. Applicant -Vs- State of Meghalaya through Superintendent of Police, South West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. ………… Respondent Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge Hon’ble Mr. Justice B. Bhattacharjee, Judge Appearance: For the Petitioner/Applicant(s) : Ms. S. Nongsiej, Adv. For the Respondent(s) : Mr. A.S. Dey, GA. Mr. A.H. Kharwanlang, Addl. PP. i) Whether approved for reporting in Yes/No Law journals etc.: ii) Whether approved for publication in press: Yes/No 2026:MLHC:67-DB 2 Per W. Diengdoh, (J): JUDGMENT AND ORDER (ORAL) 1. Heard Ms. S. Nongsiej, learned counsel for the applicant, who has submitted that the applicant has filed an appeal before this Court, assailing the impugned judgment and order of sentence dated 26.11.2025 passed by the Court of the learned Special Judge (POCSO), South West Khasi Hills District, Mawkyrwat in Special (POCSO) Case No. 17 of 2021 under Section 5(j)(ii)/6 of the POCSO Act, wherein he was directed to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a term of 10 years with fine of ₹ 15,000/- (Rupees fifteen thousand) only, and in default thereof, to undergo simple imprisonment for 2(two) months. 2. However, while preferring the said appeal, a delay of 15 days has occurred, the reason being that the parents of the applicant are not well-versed in law or is not made aware of his right to file appeal, and as such, for such ignorance, the delay has accrued. It is therefore prayed that the delay be condoned and the appeal be admitted. 3. Mr. A.S. Dey, learned GA appearing for the State respondent has no objection to the prayer made. 4. On consideration of the submission made, we are persuaded to allow this application on being satisfied that the grounds cited for the delay contain 2026:MLHC:67-DB 3 sufficient cause. Accordingly, the delay of 15 days in preferring the appeal is hereby condoned. 5. Registry is directed to diarize the appeal and list it for admission after 1(one) week. 6. Misc. Case disposed of. (B. Bhattacharjee) (W. Diengdoh) Judge Judge 2026:MLHC:67-DB Digitally signed by DARIKORDOR NARY Date: 2026.02.11 19:13:18 IST