1 Serial No. 02 Regular List HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA AT SHILLONG Crl.M.C. No. 31 of 2026 Date of Decision: 18.03.2026 Shri. Wanbha Bhoi, Aged about 33 years, Son of Biphis Bhoi, Resident of Mukroh Village, West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya. ……….. Applicant -Vs- 1. The State of Meghalaya Represented by the Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, Home (Police) Department, West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya. 2. Mrs. X ………… Opposite Parties Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge Hon’ble Mr. Justice B. Bhattacharjee, Judge Appearance: For the Petitioner/Applicant(s) : Ms. E.G.S. War, Adv. For the Respondent(s) : Mr. R. Gurung, GA. i) Whether approved for reporting in Yes/No Law journals etc.: 2026:MLHC:236-DB 2 ii) Whether approved for publication in press: Yes/No Per W. Diengdoh, (J): JUDGMENT AND ORDER (ORAL) 1. Heard Ms. E.G.S. War, learned counsel for the applicant, who has submitted that the applicant has preferred an appeal before this Court against the impugned judgment dated 08.12.2025 and related order of sentence dated 10.12.2025 passed by the Court of the learned Sessions Judge, West Jaintia Hills District, Jowai in Sessions Case No. 14 of 2020, wherein, he was directed to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 10(ten) years with fine of ₹ 5000/- (Rupees five thousand) only, and in default thereof, to undergo simple imprisonment for 1(one) month for an offence punishable under Section 376(1) IPC. 2. However, while preferring an appeal, a delay of 31 days has occurred, the reason being that the family members 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. R. Gurung, learned GA appearing for the State respondent has no objection to the admission of the appeal. 2026:MLHC:236-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 31 days in preferring the appeal is hereby condoned. 5. Registry is directed to diarize the appeal and list it for admission on 25.03.2026. 6. Misc. Case disposed of. (B. Bhattacharjee) (W. Diengdoh) Judge Judge 2026:MLHC:236-DB Digitally signed by DARIKORDOR NARY Date: 2026.03.18 19:01:29 IST