1 Serial No. 01 Supplementary List HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA AT SHILLONG Crl.M.C. No. 85 of 2026 Date of Decision: 15.05.2026 Shri. Bijoy Hajong, Son of Late Indras Hajong, Resident of Mawiong, Umjapung Rumnong, District East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. …….. Petitioner - Vs- State of Meghalaya represented by its Secretary Home (Police) Department, Meghalaya. ……… Respondent Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge Appearance: For the Petitioner/Appellant(s) : Mr. M.F. Qureshi, Legal Aid Counsel. For the Respondent(s) : Mr. R. Gurung, GA. Mr. K.P. Bhattacharjee, GA. i) Whether approved for reporting in Yes/No Law journals etc.: ii) Whether approved for publication in press: Yes/No JUDGMENT AND ORDER (ORAL) 1. Heard Mr. M.F. Qureshi, learned Legal Aid Counsel for the 2026:MLHC:474 2 applicant, who has submitted that the applicant has filed an appeal before this Court, being aggrieved and dissatisfied by the impugned judgment dated 23.10.2025 and related order of sentence dated 27.10.2025 passed by the Court of the learned Additional Deputy Commissioner (J), East Khasi Hills. Shillong in Sessions Case No. 7 (T) 2025, wherein, he was directed to undergo simple imprisonment for a term of 7 years with fine of ₹ 1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh) only, and in default thereof, to undergo further simple imprisonment of 4(four) months for an offence punishable under Section 376(1) IPC. 2. However, while preferring an appeal, a delay of 142 days has occurred, due to circumstances which is beyond the control of the applicant, since his family members did not come forward to assist him to file an appeal as they were not having sufficient means to engage a private counsel. As such, he could not prefer an appeal within the prescribed period of limitation. Thereafter, legal aid was sought for, and accordingly, this application was processed through a 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 the delay. 4. On consideration of the submission made, this Court is inclined to allow this application on being satisfied that the grounds cited for the delay contain sufficient cause. Accordingly, the delay of 142 days in preferring the 2026:MLHC:474 3 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. Judge 2026:MLHC:474 Digitally signed by DARIKORDOR NARY Date: 2026.05.15 19:31:25 IST