MC(Crl. A) No. 13 of 2026 Page 1 Item Nos. 43 IN THE HIGH COURT OF MANIPUR AT IMPHAL MC(Crl. A) No. 13 of 2026 1. Potshangbam Johnson Meitei, aged about 29 years old, S/o P. Birendra @ Birendro Meitei of Keishamthong Hodam Leirak, P.O & P.S. Imphal, Imphal West District, Manipur-795001. …Applicant/s Vrs. 1. The State of Manipur represented by the Commissioner (Home), Government of Manipur, New Secretariate, Mantripukhri South Block, P.O. Mantripukhri & P.S. Heingang, Imphal East District, Manipur – 795001. …Respondent/s -B E F O R E- HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE AHANTHEM BIMOL SINGH For the applicant : Mrs. N. Savitri, Advocate For the respondents: Mr. Y. Ashang, Sr. Advocate & PP Mrs. R.K. Emily, Dy. G.A. Date of hearing : 24.06.2026. Date of order : 24.06.2026. Lucy Guru mayu m Digitally signed by Lucy Gurumayum Date: 2026.06.24 18:12:47 +05'30' MC(Crl. A) No. 13 of 2026 Page 2 (O R D E R) [1] Heard Mrs. N. Savitri, learned counsel appearing for the applicant and Mr. Y. Ashang, learned Sr. counsel and PP assisted by Mrs. R.K. Emily, learned Dy. GA appearing for the respondents. [2] The present application has been filed with a prayer for condoning the delay of 1170 days in filing the accompanying Criminal Appeal. [3] It is the case of the applicant that by Judgment and Order dated 14.11.2022 passed by the Fast Track Special Court No. 1, Manipur in Special Trial (POCSO) Case No. 12/2019/39 of 2020 the applicant was convicted for the offence u/s 4 POCSO Act, 2012 and he was sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment of 7 years with fine of Rs. 10,000/- (Rupees Ten thousand). Since the arrest of the petitioner and his conviction, the petitioner/applicant remain incarcerated till today. [4] It is also the case of the applicant that as applicant has been forsaken by his family members and he remains incarcerated, he has no means of filing any appeal against his conviction and sentenced and that only when an interaction programme between Panel Lawyers and convicts lodged in the Manipur Central Jail was held in the month of April 2025, the MC(Crl. A) No. 13 of 2026 Page 3 applicant was informed that he can avail legal aid and he can file an appeal against his conviction and sentenced. [5] After having such information, the applicant requested for providing Legal Aid and the High Court, Legal Services Committee provided the learned counsel as a legal assistance and through the said Legal Aid Counsel, he has preferred the accompanying criminal appeal along with the present application for condoning the delay. [6] Mr. Y. Ashang, learned Sr. counsel and PP appearing for the respondents fairly submitted that in view circumstances of the applicant, he has no objection in allowing the present condonation application and to hear the accompanying appeal on merit. [7] Considering the circumstances of the present applicant as narrated hereinabove and the fair submission made by the learned PP, this Court is of the considered view that it will be in the interest of justice to condone the delay of 1170 days in filing the accompanying appeal and to hear the said appeal on merit. [8] Accordingly, the present application is allowed by condoning the delay of 1170 days. MC(Crl. A) No. 13 of 2026 Page 4 [9] Registry is directed to number the accompanying appeal and to list it for admission hearing if the same is otherwise found in order. [8] With the aforesaid directions, the present application is disposed of. JUDGE Lucy