Serial No. 07 Regular List HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA AT SHILLONG Crl.M.C.No.44 of 2026 Date of Order: 01.04.2026 Shri. Romius Dkhar, Aged about 28 years S/o (L) Michael Law R/o Mowtyrshiah B Village, Jowai West Jaintia Hills, District, Meghalaya …..Applicant -VERSUS- State of Meghalaya through Superintendent of Police Jowai West Jaintia Hills, District, Meghalaya …..Respondent Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge Hon’ble Mr. Justice B. Bhattacharjee, Judge Appearance: For the Petitioner/Appellant(s) : Ms. S. Nongsiej, Legal Aid Counsel For the Respondent(s) : Mr. R. Gurung, GA i) Whether approved for reporting in Yes/No Law journals etc.: ii) Whether approved for publication Yes/No in press: 2026:MLHC:288-DB Per W. Diengdoh, (J): JUDGMENT AND ORDER (ORAL) 1. Heard Ms. S. Nongsiej, learned Legal Aid Counsel, who has submitted that the applicant has preferred an appeal before this Court, against the impugned judgment dated 24.09.2025 and related order of sentence dated 26.09.2025 passed by the Court of learned District and Sessions Judge, West Jaintia Hills District, Jowai in Sessions Case No.6 of 2022. 2. However, while preferring an appeal, a delay of 122 days has occurred, the reason being that the applicant is a laborer and he and his family could not afford to appoint a private counsel, as such, he could not prefer an appeal within the statutory period. Thus, legal aid was sought for, and accordingly, this application was processed through Legal Aid Counsel. It is therefore, prayed that the delay be condoned and the appeal be admitted. 3. Mr. R. Gurung, learned GA appearing for the State-respondent has no objection to the prayer for condonation of delay. 4. On consideration of the submission made, we find that there are good grounds for the appeal to be heard on merits. Accordingly, the delay of 122 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 Meghalaya 01.04.2026 “Shrity,PS” 2026:MLHC:288-DB Digitally signed by SHRITY CH MOMIN Date: 2026.04.01 18:05:27 IST