1 Serial No. 01 Supplementary List HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA AT SHILLONG Crl.M.C. No. 100 of 2026 Date of Decision: 10.06.2026 Shri. Anthony Shullai, S/o (L) R.B. Gurung R/o Ummulong Village, West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya. …….. Applicant - Vs- The State of Meghalaya represented by the Commissioner & Secretary, Home (Police) Department. ……… Respondent Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge Appearance: For the Petitioner/Appellant(s) : Mr. S. Dey, Adv. For the Respondent(s) : Mr. S.A. Sheikh, 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. S. Dey, learned counsel for the applicant, who has 2026:MLHC:555 2 submitted that the applicant has filed an appeal before this Court, being aggrieved and dissatisfied by the impugned judgment dated 01.04.2025 and related order of sentence dated 03.04.2025 passed by the Court of the learned Special Judge (POCSO), West Jaintia Hills District, Jowai in Special (POCSO) Case No. 30 of 2018, wherein, he was convicted and directed to undergo imprisonment for a term of 7(seven) years with fine of ₹ 10,000/- (Rupees ten thousand) only, and in default thereof, to undergo imprisonment for another 2(two) months for an offence punishable under Section 9(k)/10 of the POCSO Act. 2. However, while preferring an appeal, a delay of 373 days (as on 8th June, 2026) has occurred, due to circumstances which is beyond the control of the applicant, being uneducated and a daily wager by occupation, is not aware of his legal rights to file appeal or to engage a private counsel. As such, he could not prefer an appeal within the prescribed period of limitation. It is therefore prayed that the delay be condoned and the appeal be admitted. 3. Mr. S.A. Sheikh, 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 373 days in preferring the appeal is hereby condoned. 2026:MLHC:555 3 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:555 Digitally signed by DARIKORDOR NARY Date: 2026.06.10 17:09:15 IST