1 Serial No. 02 Supplementary List HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA AT SHILLONG Crl.M.C. No. 17 of 2026 Date of Decision: 25.02.2026 Shri. Saphit Shullet……. Aged about 63 years, S/o Shri. Rang Langstang R/o Narwan Village, PS: Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Presently serving sentence in the District Prison & Correctional Home, Jowai District of Meghalaya. ……….. Applicant/Convict -Vs- The State of Meghalaya Represented by Chief Secretary Government of 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.P. Mahanta, LAC with Mr. N. Doungel, Adv. Ms. Rafiya Khan, Adv. For the Respondent(s) : Mr. K. Khan, PP with Mr. S. Sengupta, Addl. PP. Mr. A.H. Kharwanlang, Addl. PP. 2026:MLHC:113-DB 2 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. S.P. Mahanta, learned Legal Aid Counsel assisted by Mr. N. Doungel, learned counsel for the applicant, who has submitted that the applicant has filed an appeal before this Court, assailing the impugned judgment and order of sentence dated 30.01.2025 passed by the Court of the learned Sessions Judge, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat in Sessions Case No. 60 of 2021, wherein, he was directed to undergo imprisonment for life with fine of ₹ 5000/- (Rupees five thousand) only for an offence punishable under Section 302 IPC. 2. However, while preferring the said appeal, a delay of 326 days has occurred, the reason being that the 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. K. Khan, learned PP assisted by Mr. S. Sengupta, learned Addl. 2026:MLHC:113-DB 3 PP appearing for the State respondent has no objection to the prayer made. 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 326 days in preferring the appeal is hereby condoned. 5. Registry is directed to diarize the appeal and list it for admission on 02.03.2026. 6. Misc. Case disposed of. (B. Bhattacharjee) (W. Diengdoh) Judge Judge 2026:MLHC:113-DB Digitally signed by DARIKORDOR NARY Date: 2026.02.25 17:58:09 IST