1 Serial No. 01 Regular List HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA AT SHILLONG Crl.M.C. No. 209 of 2026 Date of Decision: 14.09.2026 Shri. Kewelstone Khongsni @ Paduh Pa Son of Late Phrup Tham Resident of Pynursla, Nenggate District East Khasi Hills Meghalaya ...Petitioner -Versus- State of Meghalaya, Represented by its Secretary Home (Police) Department Meghalaya. …Opposite Party Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge Hon’ble Mr. Justice B. Bhattacharjee, Judge Appearance: For the Petitioner/Appellant(s) : Mr. M.F. Qureshi, Legal Aid Counsel Mr. R.T. Sangma, Adv. For the Respondent(s) : Mr. H. Kharmih, Addl. P.P Ms. S. Shyam, Asst. P.P i) Whether approved for reporting in Yes/No Law journals etc.: ii) Whether approved for publication in press: Yes/No 2026:MLHC:1026-DB 2 ORDER (ORAL) 1. Mr. M.F. Qureshi, learned Legal Aid Counsel appearing for the applicant has submitted that this instant application has been filed with a prayer for condonation of delay of 572 days in filing the related appeal on being aggrieved by the judgment and order of sentence dated 17.12.2024 passed by the learned Special Judge (POCSO), Shillong in Special POCSO Case No. 25 of 2017. The applicant/appellant coming from a poor family and being unaware of his rights to proceed for appeal did not approach this Court within the stipulated period. On being apprised of his rights he was assigned legal aid counsel, however, the period for filing the related appeal has already lapsed, hence the delay. 2. It is prayed that this application may be allowed, the delay of 572 days may be condoned. 3. Mr. H. Kharmih, learned Addl. P.P appears for the State respondent and has no objection to the prayer made. 4. We have considered the submission and on perusal of the pleadings made in this application, this Court is persuaded to allow the prayer of the applicant. 5. Accordingly, the delay of 572 days in preferring the related appeal is hereby condoned. 2026:MLHC:1026-DB 3 6. Registry to diarize the appeal and list the same for admission after 1(one) week. 7. Misc. Case is disposed of. (B. Bhattacharjee) (W. Diengdoh) Judge Judge Meghalaya 14.09.2026 “Tiprilynti–PS” 2026:MLHC:1026-DB Digitally signed by TIPRILYNTI KHARKONGOR Date: 2026.09.14 19:01:58 IST