1 Serial No. 05 Regular List HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA AT SHILLONG Crl.M.C. No. 174 of 2026 Date of Decision: 12.08.2026 Shri. Leki Rymbai, S/o Smti. Maria Rymbai, R/o Ladrymbai Dongwah Village, East Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya. .…….. Applicant -Vs- The State of Meghalaya through the Public Prosecutor, The High Court of Meghalaya, At Shillong. ……… Opposite Party Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge Hon’ble Mr. Justice B. Bhattacharjee, Judge Appearance: For the Petitioner/Applicant(s) : Mr. E. Laloo, LAC. For the Respondent(s) : Ms. O.A.I. Bang, GA. i) Whether approved for reporting in Yes/No Law journals etc.: ii) Whether approved for publication in press: Yes/No Per W. Diengdoh, (J): JUDGMENT AND ORDER (ORAL) 1. Heard Mr. E. Laloo, learned Legal Aid Counsel for the applicant, 2026:MLHC:873-DB 2 who has submitted that the applicant has preferred an appeal before this Court against the impugned judgment and related order of sentence dated 20.11.2025 passed by the Court of the learned Special Judge (POCSO), East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat in POCSO Case No. 24 of 2023, whereby, he was convicted and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 25(twenty-five) years with fine of ₹ 1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh) only, and in default thereof, to undergo further simple imprisonment of 6(six) months for an offence punishable under Section 6(1) of the POCSO Act. The applicant is also sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 1(one) year with fine of ₹ 5000/- (Rupees five thousand) only, and in default of payment of fine, to undergo further simple imprisonment of 1(one) month for an offence punishable under Section 506 IPC. 2. However, while preferring an appeal, a delay of 197 days has occurred, due to circumstances which is beyond the control of the applicant, since he is a daily wage labourer and economically backward. Moreover, his family members are also not financially sound, and has no means to file an appeal or to engage a private counsel, as such, he could 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. Ms. O.A.I. Bang, learned GA appearing for the State respondent has 2026:MLHC:873-DB 3 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 197 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:873-DB Digitally signed by DARIKORDOR NARY Date: 2026.08.12 18:56:25 IST