1 Serial No. 01 Supplementary List HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA AT SHILLONG Crl.M.C. No. 202 of 2026 Date of Decision: 09.09.2026 Shri. Hope Dong Son of Smti. Mumti Dong, Convict presently serving sentence at Jowai District Jail, Jowai, Resident of Lama Village, P.S. Khliehriat, District East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya – 793150. .…….. Appellant -Vs- State of Meghalaya through the Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Department of Home (Police), Shillong, Meghalaya. ……… Respondent Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge Hon’ble Mr. Justice B. Bhattacharjee, Judge Appearance: For the Petitioner/Applicant(s) : Mr. S. Thapa, Adv. Mr. S. Mylliemngap, Adv. For the Respondent(s) : Mr. R. Gurung, GA. i) Whether approved for reporting in Yes/No Law journals etc.: ii) Whether approved for publication in press: Yes/No 2026:MLHC:997-DB 2 Per W. Diengdoh, (J): JUDGMENT AND ORDER (ORAL) 1. Heard Mr. S. Thapa, learned counsel for the applicant, who has submitted that the applicant has preferred an appeal before this Court against the impugned judgment and related order of sentence dated 09.02.2024 passed by the Court of the learned Special Judge (POCSO), East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat in POCSO Case No. 46 of 2020, whereby, he was convicted and sentenced to undergo imprisonment for life with fine of ₹ 50,000/- (Rupees fifty thousand) only for an offence punishable under Section 6 of the POCSO Act read with Section 376(2)(f)(n)/376-AB IPC and sentenced to undergo imprisonment for a term of 7(seven) years for an offence punishable under Section 506 (Part-II) IPC. 2. However, while preferring an appeal, a delay of 877 days has occurred, on the ground that the applicant belongs to a rural background, wherein, his family members are economically backward and illiterate, are not aware of his legal rights to file an appeal within the prescribed period of limitation. It is therefore prayed that the delay be condoned and the appeal be admitted. 3. 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 are persuaded to allow 2026:MLHC:997-DB 3 this application on being satisfied that the grounds cited for the delay contain sufficient cause. Accordingly, the delay of 877 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:997-DB Digitally signed by DARIKORDOR NARY Date: 2026.09.09 18:18:48 IST