1 Serial No. 02 Regular List HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA AT SHILLONG Crl.A. No. 58 of 2026 Date of Decision: 28.08.2026 Shri. Anthony Shullai, S/o (L) R.B. Gurung, R/o Loomsooiung, Ummulong Village, West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya. ……. Appellant - Vs- State of Meghalaya through the Commissioner & Secretary, Home (Police) Department. .…… Respondent Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge Appearance: For the Petitioner/Appellant(s) : Mr. J. Suchiang, Adv. vice Mr. S. Dey, Adv. For the Respondent(s) : None appeared. i) Whether approved for reporting in Yes/No Law journals etc.: ii) Whether approved for publication in press: Yes/No JUDGMENT AND ORDER (ORAL) 1. Here is a peculiar situation where criminal appeal being Crl.A. No. 2026:MLHC:956 2 91 of 2025 was filed before this Court through legal aid, and a Legal Aid Counsel was accordingly appointed to pursue the appeal. The stage of the appeal is fixed for hearing. 2. In the meantime, this instant appeal (Crl.A. No. 58 of 2026) was also filed regarding the same subject matter that is, concerning the convict/appellant and against the same impugned judgment and sentence. It may be mentioned that the said appeal was preferred by the appellant through his own initiative by engaging a private counsel. 3. However, when this matter was brought to the notice of this Court, a query was made as to whether the appellant would prefer to continue with the matter i.e. Crl.A. No. 91 of 2025 filed through legal aid or he would prefer to make his own stand as far as the fresh appeal is concerned. 4. Mr. J. Suchiang, learned counsel submits that on being instructed, the appellant may be allowed to withdraw the Crl.A. No. 58 of 2026 filed through private counsel and the assistance of the Legal Aid Counsel in Crl.A. No. 91 of 2025 be dispensed with. 5. Ms. A. Surana, learned Legal Aid Counsel appearing for the appellant in Crl.A. No. 91 of 2025 has no objection to the submission made, and has submitted that she is willing to withdraw from the said appeal. 6. Accordingly, under such circumstances, and on the prayer made 2026:MLHC:956 3 by the learned counsel, the Crl.A. No. 58 of 2026 is hereby allowed to be withdrawn. However, the learned counsel will pursue with the Crl.A. No. 91 of 2025. 7. Accordingly, Crl.A. No. 58 of 2026 is disposed of on being withdrawn. 8. Order accordingly. Judge 2026:MLHC:956 Digitally signed by DARIKORDOR NARY Date: 2026.08.28 17:57:26 IST