1 Serial No. 02 Regular List HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA AT SHILLONG Crl.M.C. No. 24 of 2026 Date of Decision: 23.03.2026 Shri. Donboklang Lyngkhoi, Son of Shri. Bailo Nongsiej, Resident of Umnget Village, P.S: Nongpoh, District, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya. Presently lodged in District Prison & Correctional Home, Ri-Bhoi District, Nongpoh. ……….. Applicant -Vs- State of Meghalaya through Public Prosecutor ………… Opposite Party/ Respondent Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge Hon’ble Mr. Justice B. Bhattacharjee, Judge Appearance: For the Petitioner/Applicant(s) : Mr. S.D. Upadhaya, Legal Aid Counsel. Ms. A. Synrem, Adv. For the Respondent(s) : Mr. H. Kharmih, Addl. PP with Mr. R. Gurung, GA. i) Whether approved for reporting in Yes/No Law journals etc.: 2026:MLHC:257-DB 2 ii) Whether approved for publication in press: Yes/No Per W. Diengdoh, (J): JUDGMENT AND ORDER (ORAL) 1. Heard Mr. S.D. Upadhaya, learned Legal Aid Counsel, who has submitted that the accused/applicant has filed an appeal before this Court, being aggrieved by the impugned judgment of conviction dated 26.07.2023 and related order of sentence dated 31.07.2023 passed by the Court of the learned Special Judge (POCSO), Ri-Bhoi District, Nongpoh in POCSO Case No. 52 of 2015. 2. However, while preferring an appeal, a delay of 884 days has occurred, the reason being that the accused/applicant is economically backward and illiterate, and a Legal Aid Counsel has been appointed to appear on his behalf. In the meantime, when the application is in the process of completing all steps for filing an appeal, the delay has accrued. It is therefore prayed that the delay be condoned and the appeal be admitted. 3. Mr. H. Kharmih, learned Addl. PP along with Mr. R. Gurung, 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 find that there are 2026:MLHC:257-DB 3 good grounds for the appeal to be heard on merits. Accordingly, the delay of 884 days in preferring the appeal is hereby condoned. 5. Registry is directed to diarize the appeal and list it for admission on 01.04.2026. 6. Misc. Case disposed of. (B. Bhattacharjee) (W. Diengdoh) Judge Judge 2026:MLHC:257-DB Digitally signed by DARIKORDOR NARY Date: 2026.03.23 20:17:07 IST