Balwant Singh & Another vs. State of H.P. Cr. MP(M) No. 389 of 2026 18.03.2026 Present: Ms. Shashi Kiran Negi, Advocate for the applicants/petitioners. Mr. Jitender Sharma, Additional Advocate General for the respondent/State. The present application has been filed for condonation of 50 days delay in filing the present appeal. It has been asserted that the applicants could not arrange funds for engaging a private counsel. They applied for legal aid on 12.01.2026 and the legal aid counsel was appointed. The appointment order alongwith brief was received on 18.02.2026. The legal aid counsel contacted the applicants and sought some documents which led to the delay. Hence, the application. No rely is to be filed. The fact that the present application has been filed due to the delay while engagement of a legal aid counsel is duly established on record. Since the person cannot penalized for his poverty, therefore, the present application is allowed and the delay in filing the appeal is ordered to be condoned. The present application stands disposed of. Cr. Appeal (C-SB) (ST) No. 1609 of 2026 The delay in filing the appeal has been ordered to be condoned vide separate order passed in Cr.MP(M) No. 389 of 2026. Appeal be registered. Notice. Mr. Jitender Sharma, learned Additional Advocate General appears and waives service of notice on behalf of the respondent. Copy of the appeal be supplied to the learned Additional Advocate General for the respondent. Record be requisitioned. Cr.MP(ST) No. 1623 of 2026 Notice in the aforesaid terms. Reply to the application, as prayed, be filed, within four weeks. (Rakesh Kainthla) Judge 18th March, 2026 (Nikita)