CRL MP No. 11113 of 2026 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 18-08-2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE M. NIRMAL KUMAR CRL MP No. 11113 of 2026 in CRL A SR No. 31894 of 2026 The State of Tamil Nadu rep.by The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Tiruvannamalai Rural Division, Tiruvannamalai. Cr.No.24/2019. Petitioner(s) Vs 1. Nikki Philip @ Leebechi 2.S.M.Paul 3.Mary Amudha 4.Sornappan 5.Jayabal Respondent(s) For Petitioner(s): Mrs.Sharada Vivek Government Advocate (Crl. Side) For Respondent(s): Mr.R.Thirumoorthy for R2 Ms.R.Madhubala Legal Aid Counsel for R3 ORDER This Criminal Miscellaneous Petition has been filed to condone the delay of 159 days in filing the appeal against the judgment of acquittal dated 25.09.2025, passed in Special Sessions Case No.60 of 2020, by the learned 1 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CRL MP No. 11113 of 2026 Special Court for Exclusive trial of cases under POCSO Act, Tiruvannamalai. 2. Heard the learned counsel for the appellant. 3. The learned Legal Aid Counsel appearing for the 3rd respondent raised serious objection for condoning the delay in filing the appeal, submitting that the appellant has failed to provide sufficient cause or a proper explanation for the delay. 4. Considering the explanation offered and in the interest of substantial justice, this Court is of the view that the appeal should be decided on its merits. The objections raised by the 3rd respondent can be considered at the stage of admission of the appeal. 5. Accordingly, this Criminal Miscellaneous Petition is allowed. 6. Registry is directed to number the criminal appeal, if it is otherwise in order and list this matter in the admission list. 18-08-2026 Jd Neutral Citation:Yes/No 2 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CRL MP No. 11113 of 2026 M.NIRMAL KUMAR J. jd CRL MP No. 11113 of 2026 in CRL A SR No. 31894 of 2026 18-08-2026 3 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis