1 Serial No. 02 Regular List HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA AT SHILLONG Crl.M.C. No. 4 of 2026 Date of Decision: 04.02.2026 Shri. Prem Kumar Yadav S/o G. Shankar Yadav Bishali, Juramanpur, Bihar P.S Bishali, Bihar. ……….. Applicant -Vs- State of Meghalaya Through the Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Department of Home (Police), Civil Secretariat, Shillong. ………… Respondent Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge Hon’ble Mr. Justice B. Bhattacharjee, Judge Appearance: For the Petitioner/Applicant(s) : Mr. S. Chanda, Legal Aid Counsel. Mr. B. Snaitang, Adv. For the Respondent(s) : Mr. R. Gurung, GA. i) Whether approved for reporting in Yes/No Law journals etc.: ii) Whether approved for publication in press: Yes/No 2026:MLHC:37-DB 2 Per W. Diengdoh, (J): JUDGMENT AND ORDER (ORAL) 1. Heard Mr. S. Chanda, learned Legal Aid Counsel for the applicant, who has submitted that an appeal has been preferred by the applicant, being aggrieved by the judgment and order of conviction dated 10.10.2023 and order of sentence dated 31.10.2023 passed by the Court of the learned Special Judge (POCSO), Ri-Bhoi District, Nongpoh in Special (POCSO) Case No. 19 of 2021 under Section 3(a)/4/9(m)/10 of the POCSO Act, 2012, whereby, by such judgment and order of sentence, he was convicted and directed to undergo imprisonment for a term of 25 years with fine of ₹ 1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh) under Section 6 POCSO Act, 5 years rigorous imprisonment with fine of ₹ 10,000/- (Rupees ten thousand) under Section 354 IPC (on two counts) and 7 years imprisonment with fine of ₹ 10,000/- (Rupees ten thousand) under Section 10 POCSO Act (on two counts). 2. However, while preferring the said appeal, a delay of 780 days has occurred due to circumstances which is beyond the control of the applicant since he is a poor person with no support from his family members to prefer an appeal. It is therefore prayed that the delay be condoned and the appeal be admitted. 3. Mr. R. Gurung, learned GA appearing on behalf of the State respondent has no objection to the prayer made. 2026:MLHC:37-DB 3 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 sufficient cause. Accordingly, the delay of 780 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:37-DB Digitally signed by DARIKORDOR NARY Date: 2026.02.04 18:23:20 IST