1 Serial No. 03 Regular List HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA AT SHILLONG Crl.M.C. No. 34 of 2026 Date of Decision: 23.03.2026 Shri. Donbok Khongtim Son of Shri. John Warba Resident of Laitiam Village P.S Sohra East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya. ……….. Applicant -Vs- 1. The State of Meghalaya represented by The Chief Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya. 2. The Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Department of Home (Police), Shillong. ………… Respondents Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge Hon’ble Mr. Justice B. Bhattacharjee, Judge Appearance: For the Petitioner/Applicant(s) : Ms. A.D. Sharma, Legal Aid Counsel. For the Respondent(s) : Mr. R. Gurung, GA. i) Whether approved for reporting in Yes/No 2026:MLHC:258-DB 2 Law journals etc.: ii) Whether approved for publication in press: Yes/No Per W. Diengdoh, (J): JUDGMENT AND ORDER (ORAL) 1. Heard Ms. A.D. Sharma, learned Legal Aid Counsel for the applicant, who has submitted that the applicant has filed an appeal before this Court, being aggrieved by the impugned judgment of conviction dated 22.03.2024 and related order of sentence dated 28.03.2024 passed by the Court of the learned Special Judge (POCSO), East Khasi Hills, Shillong in Special POCSO Case No. 61 of 2019. 2. However, because the applicant is an illiterate and poor person hailing from a remote area with very limited access of legal assistance and financial means, his family could not afford to appoint a private counsel, therefore, legal aid was sought for, and accordingly, this application was process through Legal Aid Counsel. 3. In the meantime, while preferring an appeal, a delay of 655 days has occurred, for which prayer is made that the delay be condoned and the appeal be admitted. 4. Mr. R. Gurung, learned GA appearing for the State respondent has 2026:MLHC:258-DB 3 no objection to the prayer for condonation of the delay. 5. 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 655 days in preferring the appeal is hereby condoned. 6. Registry is directed to diarize the appeal and list it for admission on 01.04.2026. 7. Misc. Case disposed of. (B. Bhattacharjee) (W. Diengdoh) Judge Judge 2026:MLHC:258-DB Digitally signed by DARIKORDOR NARY Date: 2026.03.23 20:18:06 IST