1 Serial No. 01 Supplementary List HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA AT SHILLONG Crl.M.C. No. 167 of 2026 Date of Decision: 05.08.2026 Shri. Klitsing Sanglien H/o Smti. Dhancy Nonglong, (Convict presently serving sentence at District Jail, Shillong). Resident of Pyndenlaru Village, P.S. Ranikor, South West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya. .…….. Applicant/Petitioner -Vs- State of Meghalaya through the Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Department of Home (Police), Civil Secretariat, Shillong. ……… Respondent Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge Hon’ble Mr. Justice B. Bhattacharjee, Judge Appearance: For the Petitioner/Applicant(s) : Ms. R. Dutta, LAC. For the Respondent(s) : Mr. N.D. Chullai, AAG with Ms. A.D. Syiem, GA. i) Whether approved for reporting in Yes/No Law journals etc.: 2026:MLHC:823-DB 2 ii) Whether approved for publication in press: Yes/No Per W. Diengdoh, (J): JUDGMENT AND ORDER (ORAL) 1. Heard Ms. R. Dutta, learned Legal Aid Counsel for the applicant, who has submitted that the applicant has preferred an appeal before this Court against the impugned judgment and related order of sentence dated 13.05.2026 passed by the Court of the learned Special Judge (POCSO), South West Khasi Hills District, Mawkyrwat in Special (POCSO) Case No. 22 of 2021, whereby, he was convicted and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 10(ten) years with fine of ₹ 50,000/- (Rupees fifty thousand) only, and in default thereof, to undergo simple imprisonment of 1(one) month for an offence punishable under Section 5(l)(m)(n)/6 of the POCSO Act. The applicant is also sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 1(one) year with fine of ₹ 1000/- (Rupees one thousand) only, and in default of payment of fine, to undergo simple imprisonment of 1(one) week for an offence punishable under Section 506 IPC. 2. However, while preferring an appeal, a delay of 19 days has occurred, due to circumstances which is beyond the control of the applicant/convict, wherein, his family members/relatives did not come forward to assist him to file an appeal or to engage a private counsel. As such, he could 2026:MLHC:823-DB 3 not prefer an appeal within the prescribed period of limitation. Thereafter, legal aid was sought for, and accordingly, this application was processed through Legal Aid Counsel. It is therefore prayed that the delay be condoned and the appeal be admitted. 3. Mr. N.D. Chullai, learned AAG assisted by Ms. A.D. Syiem, 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, we are persuaded to allow this application on being satisfied that the grounds cited for the delay contain sufficient cause. Accordingly, the delay of 19 days in preferring the 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. (B. Bhattacharjee) (W. Diengdoh) Judge Judge 2026:MLHC:823-DB Digitally signed by DARIKORDOR NARY Date: 2026.08.05 17:04:39 IST